A man is in jail after Gwinnett County police said he hit a woman with his car and kept driving for a half-mile before stopping to call for help.
Jonathan Gresham, 27, of Grayson, is facing multiple charges including first-degree vehicular homicide in connection with the death of Kayli Guthrie.
Gwinnett police were called to the scene of an accident on I-85 North in unincorporated Duluth about 1 a.m. Sunday. Investigators said preliminary information indicates 64-year-old Elvester Sykes of Lawrenceville was driving his Ford Explorer when he hit the left median wall south of Pleasant Hill Road.
Upon seeing the accident, Guthrie, 20, of Dacula, stopped her car and got out to see if Sykes was OK, Gwinnett police said.
“At the same time, Jonathan Gresham was approaching the accident scene in the left lane driving a Ford Fusion,” police spokesman Sgt. J. L. Sligar said in a statement. “Gresham attempted to brake, at which time his vehicle struck the rear of the Ford Explorer and continued between the Ford Explorer and the median wall.”
Guthrie was standing directly in the path of Gresham’s car and was hit, Sligar said. She died at the scene as a result of her injuries.
“Gresham continued for a half-mile before stopping and calling 911,” Sligar said.
Authorities said speed is being investigated as a probable factor in the accident, with impaired driving also being investigated.
Authorities said Sykes was charged with driving under the influence in relation to the initial accident. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Gresham was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, reckless driving, improper lane change and driving under the influence. An investigation is ongoing.
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