The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a 1-year-old in a stroller in a park near Snellville has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular homicide, according to Gwinnett County authorities.
Tekila Mynon Glass, 30, of Riverdale also was charged with improper backing in the death Sept. 17 of Olivia Hellwig.
In a statement issued Friday morning, the Gwinnett County Police Department said that based on what its Accident Investigation Unit had learned, "it is believed that Ms. Glass is primarily at fault for this accident."
Glass was arrested after turning herself in at Gwinnett County Jail and was released after she posted bond, police said. No other charges are pending at this time.
Glass was backing a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica through the parking lot at Lenora Park on Lenora Church Road when the vehicle struck a stroller pushed by Brooke Hellwig, Olivia’s mother, police said.
The child was transported to Children's Healthcare at Egleston in Atlanta, where she later died. Brooke Hellwig was treated for minor injuries, police said.
A Gwinnett police initial incident report indicated Glass’ vehicle had six occupants and alcohol was not a contributing factor.
In a statement issued Friday, the Hellwig family said, "The reckless actions of the driver caused this accident and the parents of Olivia are relieved that the police investigation has now confirmed this fact and resulted in charges being brought against the driver."
The family appreciates "all of the prayers, cards, and other support that so many people have extended to them during this most difficult time," the statement continued. A trust has been set up at SunTrust Bank in Olivia Anne Hellwig's name to receive contributions for a memorial to honor the child's memory.
-- Staff writer George Mathis contributed to this article.
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