DUNWOODY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A child is dead, and a man is being charged with driving under the influence following a two-car crash in Dunwoody Saturday night, according to police.
The crash happened in front of the LaCota Apartments, located at 6664 Peachtree Industurial Blvd., just before 9:30 p.m. It involved a Toyota Tacoma, driven by the suspect, Jose Alejandro Cuahuizo-Varela, and a Honda Civic.
According to police, after the Honda pulled out of the apartment complex and onto the road, the Toyota rear-ended it. Cuahuizo-Varela tried to run away from the scene but was caught by Doraville officers who responded to the crash.
One of the occupants, an 8-year-old girl, was taken to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) where she died from her injuries, according to police.
The child was identified as Mariah Johnson, according to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner.
The driver of the Honda was taken to Grady Hospital, where her condition is unknown at this time.
Cuahuizo-Varela was taken to Northside Hospital for treatment before he was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Jail. Along with DUI, he’s facing the other charges:
- Felony homicide by vehicle
- Felony hit-and-run
- Reckless driving
- Serious injury by vehicle
- Driving without a valid license
Police say the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Check back with Atlanta News First for updates on this developing story.
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