Alleged Distracted Driver Indicted in Wreck That Injured Gwinnett Deputy

The driver who allegedly crashed into a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s patrol car and seriously injured a deputy last year on I-85 has been indicted.

Joshua Kim will face trial in Gwinnett Superior Court on each of several offenses, including DUI-drugs, causing serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving and failing to use due care while using a cell phone, the Gwinnett Daily Post reported.

Kim, of Cleveland, Ga., allegedly caused the Sept. 24 crash on southbound I-85 between Indian Trail and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, police said. The crash sent Deputy Justin Lunt to the hospital. Kim was uninjured.

• RELATED: Police: Man Distracted by Cell Phone, Intoxicants Wrecks Deputy’s Car on I-85

Police said the deputy was helping a maintenance crew working in the H.O.T. lane and had his emergency lights on when the 2015 Kia Optima Kim was driving struck the patrol car and then rolled twice before coming to a stop. The deputy’s car was parked partially in the inside emergency lane as the crew worked.

Kim told police he was looking at his cell phone and when he looked up he was too close to avoid the collision.

Lunt returned to duty 10 months after the accident, and has had serious scarring on the back of his head, the Post reported.

Kim also was charged with driving without valid license, possession of marijuana-less than one ounce and following too closely.

(Photo: Wednesday, Sept. 24, accident on I-85 involving a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s deputy. Credit: Gwinnett Police PIO)