Atlanta Man Arrested for DUI and Reckless Driving After Crash Into Patrol Car

On November 11, 2025, around 11:30 p.m., Atlanta police responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Peachtree Road and Peachtree Battle Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers found a black Mercedes GLE blocking southbound traffic and a City of Atlanta patrol vehicle with airbag deployment. The driver of the Mercedes, James Rankin, gave inconsistent statements regarding the crash. Officers noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. Rankin refused field sobriety tests, as well as breath and blood samples.

A search warrant was obtained to collect blood for testing, and Rankin was transported to Piedmont Hospital for medical clearance before being taken into custody. He was charged with Failure to Yield when Turning Left, DUI Per Se, DUI Less Safe, and Reckless Driving, and transported to city jail. The blood-alcohol kit was submitted to the GBI, and the investigation remains ongoing.