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.

About the Author

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

The 535-mile expansion plan, known as Trails ATL, aims to make the city more walkable, bringing 10-minute access to trails for 95% of city residents by 2052.

Breakdown: Three days in May

Season 11 of the AJC’s Breakdown true crime podcast starts soon. It begins with a Georgia couple, a newborn—and a discovery that triggers a living nightmare.

Atlanta airport flyers, staff celebrate freedom — from travel headaches

Despite hundreds of thousands flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Fourth of July weekend, airport staff and travelers experienced few issues.

The Latest

Credit: n/a

Breakdown: Three days in May

A.M. ATL: Checkmate for good

Atlanta airport flyers, staff celebrate freedom — from travel headaches

Featured

Credit: Ziyu Julian Zhu/AJC

Unemployment in Georgia is down, but so is the labor force. Why?

Georgia’s labor force has declined by nearly 30,000 compared to May last year. Here are some reasons why.

Georgia appeals court rules election boards must certify results

The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that election board members are required to certify election results even when they have concerns about fraud or errors.

Atlanta crypto biz owner caught up in fraud says it’s ‘like living in a James Bond movie’

Prosecutors say North Korean IT specialists are 'infiltrating' tech companies in the U.S. as remote workers to steal money from businesses and funnel it back to North Korea.