Driver Killed When Truck Strikes Guardrail In Bartow County

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Georgia state troopers from Post 3 in Cartersville are looking for a witness who left the scene of a fatal crash on Ga. 113 early Saturday morning. The accident occurred around 1:45 a.m. Sept. 29 on the highway just south of Old Alabama Road.

A preliminary investigation indicates a pickup truck driven by Steven Jarmal James, 20, of Euharlee, was traveling in the left lane of Ga. 113 when the vehicle veered to the east side of the road in a curve. James overcorrected his steering, which caused the truck to leave the west side of the highway and crash into a guardrail, the Georgia State Patrol said.

After that impact, James was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene of the collision. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor to the crash, the state patrol added. A witness at the scene told the trooper that a green Chevrolet pickup truck, similar in year and model to James’ vehicle, was stopped at the crash scene. The vehicle had its lights turned off and it was in the left lane directly beside the victim's truck, a description of which was not immediately made available.

That witness made contact with the driver of the pickup, and she spoke briefly with him. However, the witness said the driver fled the scene once she asked if he called 911. The driver is described as a white male, approximately 5’10 to 6 feet tall with short, dark hair.

At this time there is no indication that this other pickup truck was involved in the crash, but there is evidence to suggest that the driver witnessed the crash. Troopers would appreciate any help in locating this individual. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Troop A Communications Center at (770) 387-3701.

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