Driver accused of hitting DeKalb firefighter, leaving scene arrested

DeKalb County police have arrested a driver accused of hitting a firefighter last month and leaving the scene.

The firefighter, whose name was not released, was directing traffic on Covington Highway near Midway Road around 5 p.m. Feb. 17 when he was struck by a black Mercedes-Benz, authorities said. The firefighter survived his injuries.

On Wednesday, police posted a photo of the driver and asked the public for help identifying the man.

We need help identifying the driver who hit a DeKalb firefighter on Wed., Feb. 17 on Covington Hwy & Midway Rd. The firefighter was directing traffic when he was hit by a black Mercedes that fled the scene.
If you know the man in the photo, please call at 770-724-7610. #WeAreDKPD pic.twitter.com/0Q38D1YRHu
— DeKalb County Police Department (@DeKalbCountyPD) March 3, 2021

Within hours, police arrested 67-year-old Deforest Denson after someone recognized him and called detectives, DeKalb police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said. The Stone Mountain man is charged with hit-and-run and reckless driving.

Denson remained in the DeKalb County Jail on Thursday morning, according to online records.

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