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.
[mailerlite_form form_id=2]
B.T. Clark is the Publisher of The Georgia Sun and author of Principles Are Like Pants… You Ought to Have Some. Over two decades in journalism, he has served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc., earning multiple awards along the way. His work has appeared in newspapers across the state, including The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal.
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
- B.T. Clark
