The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Traffic Specialist Unit executed a search warrant on the Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Charles Wilkins, 61, of Cumming. Authorities obtained and executed additional warrants for Wilkins. He is now charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects and open container of alcohol.
Original story posted 9-18-2022 at 9:15 a.m.
A multi-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer on Georgia 400 in Forsyth County Friday evening led to the death of a man from Cumming, and left several others with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to a press release from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, officers and the Forsyth County Fire Department were dispatched at about 8:30 p.m. to the scene of the accident at Georgia 400 and Georgia 369.
A loaded Freightliner tractor-trailer, driven by Charles Wilkins, 61, of Cumming, was driving in the left northbound lane of GA 400. Wilkins was allegedly approaching stopped traffic at an "unreasonable speed."
The Freightliner was unable to stop and struck the rear of a Nissan Rogue, which was stopped for traffic. The Nissan and Freightliner then crossed over the center median and into the southbound lanes. The Freightliner struck a Kia Sorento driving southbound in the right lane of GA 400. The driver of the Kia, James Wright, 65, of Cumming, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three additional vehicles were also involved in the incident. All other involved drivers and passengers were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Several other vehicles were damaged by flying debris, but no other injuries were reported. The roadway was closed in both directions for over five hours.
Wilkins was arrested and booked into the Forsyth County Jail after he was discharged from the hospital. He was charged with homicide by vehicle first degree, reckless driving, too fast for conditions and following too close. He was being held without bond as of Saturday afternoon.
The crash remains under investigation and additional charges are possible.
