A routine Saturday night turned tragic when an alleged drunk driver slammed into a Honda Civic carrying a young family, killing an 8-year-old girl and sending her mother to the hospital.
The crash happened around 9:25 p.m. on September 6 outside the LaCota Apartments at 6664 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Dunwoody. According to police, the Honda had just pulled out of the apartment complex when a Toyota Tacoma rear-ended it.
Driver Tried to Run
Jose Alejandro Cuahuizo-Varela, the driver of the Toyota, attempted to flee on foot after the crash. Doraville police officers who responded to the scene detained him before he could escape.
The 8-year-old girl was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, where she died from her injuries. Her mother, who was driving the Honda, was taken to Grady Hospital. Police haven’t released updates on her condition.
What Happens Next
Cuahuizo-Varela faces serious charges:
- Homicide by vehicle (felony)
- Hit and run (felony)
- DUI
- Reckless driving
After receiving medical clearance at Northside Hospital, he was booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the crash can contact Officer Jakori Edwards at jakori.edwards@dunwoodyga.gov or Sgt. Christopher Forman at Christopher.Forman@dunwoodyga.gov.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
