A police chase in Rockdale County on Thursday night led to a crash that killed a driver stopped at an intersection and injured several others, including a sheriff’s deputy.
Charges are pending against the driver of a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, 39-year-old Kidistz Temesgen of Decatur, as authorities said she caused the crash while attempting to elude a Rockdale Sheriff’s Office deputy, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor in the incident, officials said.
Temesgen’s Santa Fe was traveling west on Sigman Road when it struck a 2013 Kia Optima SX, which in turn struck a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, both of which were stopped at a traffic light at Old Covington Highway, the GSP said. After the initial impacts, the Santa Fe and the Optima each struck Rockdale patrol vehicles.
The driver of the Optima, 51-year-old Yuwadee Theerakanok, of Jonesboro, was killed. Her passenger, 52-year-old Somphone Vongvilay, also of Jonesboro, was injured and airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Also sustaining injuries were the driver of the Silverado, 33-year-old Melissa Anderson, of Conyers, and Deputy Joshua Reynolds, 28, also of Conyers. Both were taken to Rockdale Medical Center. Another deputy on the scene was not injured.
About the Author
