A 68-year-old man investigators believe was driving under the influence of alcohol when he struck and killed a teenage pedestrian will remain in jail for at least two more weeks.
The crash happened Friday at 8:20 p.m. on Ben King Road near Kennesaw, according to police. Jerome L. Cox of Powder Springs was driving a 2017 GMC Acadia eastbound and was approaching a crosswalk, Officer Aaron Wilson with Cobb police said in a statement.
“Simultaneously, a group of juveniles was in the process of crossing Ben King Road at the designated crosswalk when the GMC collided with one of them,” Wilson said.
The impact threw the pedestrian into a wooded area on the shoulder of the road. The 17-year-old, identified as Olivia Pugh, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition and died from her injuries Sunday, according to police.
A spokesperson for the Cobb school system told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the teen was a student at Harrison High School.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Harrison student Olivia Pugh,” the school system said. “Our hearts are heavy, and we will keep Olivia’s family, friends and entire Harrison community in our thoughts, knowing the loss will be felt even more this holiday season. Grief counselors will continue to be available to support students and staff. We do ask you to give our school family privacy during this time of grief.”
Moments of silence have been held at the Kennesaw school this week.
At the scene of the crash, Cox admitted he had been drinking but refused to give a breath sample, his arrest warrant states.
“Accused emitted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, which was strongest when he spoke, had bloodshot and watery eyes, admitted to consuming three beers while at a Christmas party, refused to provide a voluntary breath sample or perform any voluntary field evaluations,” the warrant states.
Neither Cox nor his passenger were injured in the crash. He was arrested at the scene and charged with serious injury by vehicle, DUI, obstruction and failure to yield to a pedestrian, police said. The charges were later upgraded to include first-degree vehicular homicide.
After officers obtained a search warrant, Cox is accused of refusing to allow his blood to be drawn, his warrant states.
Cox was denied bond during his first court appearance and was being held Tuesday at the Cobb jail, booking records show. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 27, according to online records.
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