April 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Preliminary Investigation into Fatal Crash Involving South Fulton Police Department Patrol Vehicle.

ATLANTA – The Georgia State Patrol is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at approximately 11:15 p.m., on Flat Shoals Road near Hiddenbrook Trail in South Fulton County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a black 2016 Infiniti QX70, operated by Santoria McLean, age 31, of Atlanta, was traveling west on Flat Shoals Road. A South Fulton Police Department Ford Explorer, operated by Lieutenant Helio Garcia, was traveling east on the same roadway. For reasons still under investigation, the Infiniti crossed the center line into the eastbound lane and struck the patrol vehicle head-on.

Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. Lieutenant Garcia later succumbed to his injuries. McLean remains hospitalized in serious condition.
The Georgia State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT-C) responded to the scene and is conducting a thorough investigation. Charges are pending upon the completion of the investigation.
 

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DPS Public Information Office
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