A DUI suspect is accused of causing a a series of crashes that left a dozen people injured along Buford Highway on Christmas Eve, authorities said.

Brookhaven police said 30-year-old Ottoniel Gomez-Moralez was driving under the influence when he ran into another car at the intersection of Buford Highway and North Druid Hills Road and fled the scene.

As he drove away, Gomez-Moralez cut through a parking lot where he struck several cars, Brookhaven police spokesman Lt. David Snively said. He continued north on Buford Highway until one of his wheels fell off, causing him to lose control and slam into five more cars police said. A total of 12 people were injured in the crashes, five of whom were taken to the hospital.

Gomez-Moralez, was also taken to the hospital, and will be booked into the DeKalb County Jail after he is released, Snively said. Authorities said the man was already wanted on an aggravated assault charge, but now faces multiple traffic violations.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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