A former College Park police sergeant is now facing multiple felony charges including first-degree homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death following a deadly incident on Interstate 285 in Clayton County. The charges stem from an August 17 incident near the Riverdale Road exit where investigators allege the officer initiated an unauthorized high-speed chase that resulted in two fatalities. According to authorities, the sergeant pursued a Land Rover at speeds exceeding 100 mph in his patrol SUV, causing the civilian vehicle's driver to lose control, veer off the roadway, and strike a tree. The devastating impact split the Land Rover and ejected both occupants, killing them instantly. Family members have identified one victim as Matthew Benton. Most troubling to investigators, the officer allegedly failed to stop and render aid or call for emergency assistance, instead continuing to drive away without reporting the crash. The former sergeant was terminated from the College Park Police Department on August 22 following an internal review and was subsequently arrested and booked into Clayton County Jail on September 23, where he remains held without bond.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 285, known locally as "the Perimeter," is Atlanta's major circumferential highway that carries heavy traffic volumes throughout the metro area. The incident location near the Riverdale Road exit in Clayton County represents a particularly busy section of I-285's southern arc, where multiple lanes of high-speed traffic converge with local access points. This area experiences significant congestion during peak hours and has been the site of numerous accidents due to heavy traffic volumes, frequent lane changes, and varying speed conditions. The Riverdale Road interchange serves as a major access point for residents of Clayton County and surrounding communities, creating complex traffic patterns as vehicles merge onto and exit from the interstate. The section of I-285 where this tragedy occurred features typical interstate infrastructure including concrete barriers, guardrails, and emergency shoulders, though the wooded areas adjacent to the roadway can present additional hazards when vehicles leave the travel lanes at high speeds.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, this incident involves multiple serious criminal charges including first-degree homicide by vehicle, which requires proof of reckless driving causing death, and hit-and-run resulting in death, which carries severe penalties. Families of the victims may pursue wrongful death claims against both the individual officer and potentially the City of College Park under federal civil rights statutes and state tort law. Georgia's wrongful death statute allows recovery for the full value of the life of the deceased, including both economic and non-economic damages. Claims against government entities must comply with the Georgia Tort Claims Act, which has specific notice requirements and procedures. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of death, while civil rights claims under federal law must typically be filed within two years. Given the criminal charges and termination of the officer, this case may involve complex insurance coverage issues, as law enforcement liability policies often exclude coverage for criminal acts or conduct outside the scope of employment.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Clayton County Emergency Services: (770) 477-3211
• College Park Police Department: (404) 761-3131
• Georgia State Patrol: *GSP or (404) 624-7000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): (404) 635-8000
• Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• Clayton County Traffic Engineering: (770) 477-3605

Support Services:

• Georgia Victim Compensation Program: (404) 657-1956
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia: (770) 234-6233
• Crisis & Access Line: (800) 715-4225

Legal Information:

• Georgia Traffic Laws: Official Code of Georgia Annotated Title 40
• Georgia Tort Claims Act: O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20 et seq.
• State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service: (404) 527-8700