Police say crash that killed officer may have involved alcohol
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A South Fulton police lieutenant died Tuesday night after a crash while he was on patrol, according to the police department.
Investigators said Lt. Helio Garcia was driving along Flat Shoals Road near Connell Road when another driver came into his lane and hit him head-on. He was rushed to Grady Hospital, where he later died.
South Fulton Police Department confirmed he was working when the crash happened. His family—his wife and three children—are at the hospital, surrounded by a large group of law enforcement officers from across metro Atlanta.
Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation and is still working to learn what caused the crash. Officers said alcohol is not being ruled out as a possible factor. The woman driving the other car is also being treated at Grady.
Lt. Garcia had been with the South Fulton Police Department since its early days. He was one of the original officers who helped build the department when it started in 2018.
“It’s been a devastating night,” South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows said. “He’s done a lot of heavy lifting in terms of helping us build this organization, and he’s going to be dearly missed.”
Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his condolences following the crash.
"Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by the tragic loss," he shared on X.
"As we keep his loved ones, fellow law enforcement, and the entire South Fulton community in our thoughts and prayers, we ask that all Georgians join us in lifting them up as they grieve," he added.
Garcia spent more than 15 years in law enforcement. He started with the College Park Police, later worked in Holly Springs, and joined South Fulton when the city formed its own department. He worked his way up from officer to detective, then sergeant, and most recently, lieutenant. State records show he completed more than 1,600 hours of law enforcement training, including in de-escalation, mental health, and community policing.
The police department called this a heartbreaking loss for the city and asked for prayers and privacy for Garcia’s loved ones and fellow officers.
“Our hearts are shattered,” Chief Meadows said. “Lieutenant Garcia was more than a colleague—he was family. He served this department and this city with honor and distinction, and we will carry his memory with us in every shift, every call, and every act of service.”
No comments:
Post a Comment