Drunk Driver Strikes Atlanta Officer’s Patrol Car During Accident Investigation on I-20
An Atlanta Police officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries early Sunday morning after their patrol vehicle was struck by another driver while the officer was investigating a traffic accident on Interstate 20 Westbound.
The incident occurred around 3:42 a.m. on May 11, 2025, near the Capital Avenue exit. Officers were blocking the third lane of I-20 Westbound to conduct their investigation of an earlier traffic accident. While the officer was inside their patrol vehicle, a male driver operating a 2025 Toyota Camry collided with the rear of the marked police car.
Other officers on the scene immediately assisted the injured officer and detained the driver of the Camry, identified as Mr. Racine Joseph, to conduct an investigation into the collision. According to police, Mr. Joseph appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Officers conducted a field sobriety examination at the scene. As a result, Mr. Joseph was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses under Georgia law:
- OCGA 40-6-391(a)(1) Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Less Safe
- OCGA 40-6-49 Following Too Closely
- OCGA 40-6-180 Too Fast For Conditions
- OCGA 40-6-390 Reckless Driving
- OCGA 40-6-16 Spencer Pass Law (Move Over Law)
Mr. Joseph was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Atlanta City Detention Center. The injured officer was also transported to a hospital for treatment of their non-life-threatening injuries.
