Head-On Crash Kills GA Police Officer

SOUTH FULTON, GA — A South Fulton police officer was killed Tuesday night in a head-on crash while on duty, authorities said Wednesday.

The crash killed Capt. Helio Garcia in the line of duty, police said. South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows told Fox 5 Atlanta that Garcia was married with three children.

The Georgia State Patrol said the crash happened around 11:15 p.m. at Flat Shoals Road near Hiddenbrook Trail.

A black 2016 Infinity QX70 was going west on Flat Shoals, where Garcia's patrol SUV was heading east, the GSP said.

The Infiniti crossed the center line, going into the eastbound lane, and hit Garcia's SUV head-on, the GSP said.

Both Garcia and the driver of the Infiniti were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where Garcia died of his injuries, the GSP said. The other driver was in serious condition.

Fox 5 reported Garcia's own coworkers carried him into the emergency room.

"Lt. Garcia was a dedicated officer, a respected leader and a friend to many within the South Fulton Police Department. His commitment to protecting and serving this community was unwavering, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched both in and out of uniform," police said in a statement.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and all who served alongside him. Please keep Lt. Garcia’s family and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this devastating loss. Rest easy, sir. We have the watch from here."

The GSP's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash.