Drugged Driver Charged With Passenger's Death: Police

DACULA, GA — A charge of homicide by vehicle has been added to a host of drug charges after a driver's passenger died in a Friday evening two-car wreck. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on State Route 316 at the intersection with Hurricane Trail in unincorporated Dacula.

Passenger Alishia Williamson, 37, of Bethlehem, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and died Monday, according to Gwinnett County police.

Driver Michael Hall, 40, of Bethlehem, was arrested after he was released from the hospital. He was originally charged with driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving and following too closely and the charge of homicide by vehicle was added after his passenger died.

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Based on the preliminary investigation, Hall was traveling westbound on SR316 towards Lawrenceville. He was driving a gold Chevrolet Malibu. Williamson was sitting on the front passenger side.

Lesly Jimenez, 19, of Athens, was traveling the same direction in a maroon Toyota Rav4. There were two additional occupants in the Rav4.

Jimenez’s vehicle was in front of Hall’s in the second lane to the left.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Jimenez was slowing her vehicle due to traffic at the Hurricane Trail intersection. Hall rear-ended the Rav4 and pushed it through the intersection for about 200 feet. The Rav4 came to rest in the center grass median. The Malibu came to rest in the right turn lane.

Jimenez and one of her passengers had non-life threatening injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for evaluation. The other passenger did not have any injuries.

Hall and Williamson were both taken to a local hospital. Hall’s injuries were not life-threatening. Williamson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

Both vehicles were impounded to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further analysis.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department