Wrong-way driver faces multiple charges after 9 crashes

A man whose wrong way travel caused a trail of traffic accidents from I-85 to Buford Highway-Spring Street connector faces a series of charges.

Richard Jernigan, 47, was driving what police identify as a white “work-type, pick-up truck,” northbound in the southbound lanes of I-85 at about 4:49 pm when he exited at the Buford-Spring connector, said Lt. Paul Cosper of the Georgia State Patrol.

Atlanta City Jail

Richard Jernigan

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After striking the ninth vehicle, he crashed into a wall, got out of the truck, hopped the wall and tried to flee. Other motorists detained him until police arrived.

A woman was hurt in one of the crashes, and was taken to Atlanta Medical Center with serious, but non-life threatening injuries, said Cosper.

The accidents prompted authorities to temporarily shut down the Buford-Spring connector, causing long backups.

Jernigan, who police said is a “Atlanta area resident,” was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital detention center to be mentally screened. He will later be transported to the Atlanta City jail.

His charges include driving under the influence, wreckless driving, hit and run, driving on the wrong side, leaving the scene as well as a number of possible charges.

—Larry Hartstein contributed to this article.