Monroe Man Hospitalized After Running Into Vehicle on Highway 78

A 20-year-old Monroe man ran into a pickup truck in the westbound lanes of Highway 78 on Wednesday afternoon after causing the car driven by his mother to run off the road.

According to SFC Doug Wilson, post commander of Monroe’s Georgia State Patrol office, a woman was traveling west on Highway 78 with her infant daughter in the car and her 20-year-old son in the passenger seat.

“During the conversation, he snatched the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to leave the road, but the driver was able to maintain control of the car and stop before striking a tree,” Wilson said, adding that the man told authorities it was his intention to force the car into a tree. “He then exists the car and runs out into 78 traffic in the westbound lane, running into the side of a pickup truck – a 2005 Chevy Silverado.”

The victim incurred minor injuries, but was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Keith Brooks said WCSO is investigating the circumstances that led up to the incident and said charges could be pending. Wilson said possible charges by the GSP also are pending.

The victim's name is not being released at this time due to privacy issues.