Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is suspected in a wreck that seriously injured four people on Ga. 17 Alternate (Talmadge Drive) at Arlo Todd Road just inside Habersham County Wednesday afternoon.
The wreck was reported at 12:25 and involved a 2006 Ford Mustang driven by 43-year-old Joseph Lee Austin of Toccoa and a 2016 Toyota Tacoma double cab pickup truck driven by 72-year-old Virginia Allen Ramey of Toccoa, according to Georgia State Patrol Post 7 Toccoa.
Austin, who suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries, is suspected of DUI alcohol and drugs, according to GSP.
Austin’s front passenger, 20-year-old John Michael Lumpkin of Clarkesville, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Austin’s rear-seat passenger, 77-year-old Jimmy McDonald of Clarkesville suffered serious, life-threatening injuries.
Ramey suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
All those injured were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, including one by medical helicopter.
Austin’s Mustang was traveling south and failed to maintain its lane, traveling into the northbound lane and striking Ramey’s truck head-on, according to GSP.
Due to the location and severity of the wreck, emergency personnel from both Habersham and Stephens counties responded, shutting down the road while rescuers worked to free the vehicles’ occupants.
The wreck remains under investigation.
