Driver Facing Murder Charge

A man accused of killing a man standing on the shoulder of I-85 while trying to avoid a traffic stop is in police custody and facing a litany of charges, including felony murder in Gwinnett County.

The Georgia State Patrol said Victor Allen Smith, 55, led a trooper on a pursuit after trying to avoid a traffic stop.

The trooper activated their patrol car lights, officials said, and the driver sped off north into Gwinnett County, weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed. Georgia State Patrol said it lost control south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard on I-85.

That’s when troopers said the driver skidded into the east shoulder and emergency lane where Martinez and the wrecker driver were standing.

Hugo N. Martinez, 22, died in the collision. Officials said a wrecker had just finished loading his broken-down car on I-85 north. The driver of the wrecker was able to jump over a concrete barrier, officials said and avoided being hit.

Smith faces several charges, including traffic offenses:

• Speeding
• Improper Lane Change
• Fleeing and Attempting to Elude
• HOV Violation
• Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
• DUI Drugs/Less Safe
• Reckless Driving
• Felony Murder
• Homicide by Vehicle (1st Degree)
• Driving in the Emergency Lane
• Too Fast for Conditions
• Failure to Maintain Lane
• Following Too Closely

Smith is in Gwinnett County Jail without bond.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of Hugo Martinez.

Speeding causes accidents!

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DUI Laws | What You Need to Know

The laws make it illegal for drivers of all ages to operate motor vehicles if they have BAC percentages of:

• 0.08% or higher, if they’re 21 years old or older operating regular passenger vehicles.
• 0.04% or higher, if they’re operating commercial vehicles.
• 0.02% or higher, if they’re younger than 21 years old.

Georgia State law also requires clinical evaluation and the attendance of a DUI / Risk Reduction Program that’s certified/licensed by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services before your driver’s license can be reinstated if you have been charged with any of the following:

1. DUI
2. Drug Possession
3. Other drug offenses
4. Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol

Before getting behind the wheel after having a few, consider the many reasons why you should not.

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