According to Capt. Jeff Richards of the CCSO’s criminal investigations division, four people have been interviewed since the event on Lee Williams Road Tuesday, and it’s possible more interviews will have to occur before a common narrative is reached.
“There are some inconsistencies in the story that concern us,” he said. “We’re still investigating. We have requested assistance from the Georgia State Patrol’s [Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team], and we think that will be beneficial.”
Richards said that the investigators hope to obtain more information on the speeds and braking of vehicles prior to impact using computer data provided by the GSP.
So far, he said that no charges have been filed in what appears to have been an intentional collision between a truck and a BMW sedan. Shots were fired at the scene, leaving bullet holes embedded in the truck, but Richards said no one was shot in the incident.
The one injury reported, he said, was more than likely the result of injuries sustained when an airbag deployed. The injured person, still unnamed, has since been released from Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton.
He said four people, including three from Carroll County, have been interviewed and more information will be released when it becomes available.
In addition, Richards reports that the sheriff’s office has active warrants for a person of interest in a car theft on Lovvorn Road on Friday, April 30.
“We are seeking Matthew Lynn Barber, who appears to be 22 years of age and claims a Bowdon Junction address,” Richards said. “We have active warrants of theft by taking a motor vehicle.”
The car was stolen from a residence on Lovvorn Road and later recovered at Wantland Road, where it was found parked in Turkey Creek.
The 2002 Pontiac Grand Am had extensive damage – including a busted windshield, back window and driver’s side window – and was full of water when it was discovered by deputies.
Investigator Harold Bramlett said that Barber became a suspect when he sent text messages to the victim claiming responsibility.
“He took the car without permission, then sent a text message stating that he took the car, it had been wrecked and that he would get a job or do whatever it took to replace the car,” Bramlett said.
He asked that anyone with information on Barber’s whereabouts call the sheriff’s office at 770-830-5916.