Three-Year-Old Killed in DUI-Related Crash in Augusta
An unrestrained three-year-old boy was killed in a two-vehicle collision around 9:30 pm New Year’s Eve on Bobby Jones Expressway in Augusta.
The Georgia State Patrol says a car driven by 31-year-old Joseph Michael Wiggins crashed into another vehicle late Sunday night near Mile Marker 11. A three-year-old boy in the car, identified as Robert Brown of Augusta, was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:18 pm, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Authorities say a 7-year-old child who was also in the vehicle was not seriously hurt.
Wiggins, who received minor injuries in the crash, now faces numerous charges.
Charges Against Joseph Michael Wiggins:
- Homicide by Vehicle
- Serious Injury by Vehicle
- DUI
- two counts of DUI with Passengers under 14
- No Safety Child Restraints
- Reckless Driving
- Open Container
- No Seatbelt
- Failure to Maintain Lane
- Illegally Passing an Emergency Vehicle
New Year’s Eve Crash in Columbia County
Another crash in the area New Year’s Eve left one dead in Columbia County. The wreck was reported around 8 pm Sunday at the intersection of Furys Ferry Road and Millstone Drive.
The victim in the crash was identified as 23-year-old Carson Downs of Anderson, South Carolina. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says the 16-year-old driver of a Toyota 4Runner pulled into Downs’ path. Downs swerved into oncoming traffic and hit the 4Runner head-on.
Downs was taken to Wellstar MCG where he died as a result of his injuries. Authorities say alcohol was not a factor in the cause of the accident.
The name of the 16-year-old driver who caused the accident has not been released due to his age. Officials have only said that he’s from Evans. Charges against him are pending.
Georgia Traffic Fatalities over Christmas Weekend
At least 14 people were killed in accidents reported across Georgia over the long Christmas weekend. Totals for New Year’s holiday weekend have not been announced yet.
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