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CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. – In a key development Thursday at Recorder’s Court, sufficient probable cause was established to advance the legal proceedings regarding the accident that tragically claimed the life of Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved Savannah educator.
Officer Kirby Pulliam of the Chatham County Police Department recounted his response to a three-vehicle collision that occurred on February 16 at the intersection of Truman Parkway and Whitfield Avenue. By the time Pulliam arrived, Dr. Davis and Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, another driver involved, had already been transported to the hospital.
According to Pulliam, Dr. Davis was conscious but trapped in her car by the crash’s severe impact. Emergency crews had to employ various tools to remove the vehicle’s roof and extricate her. It is believed that she succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.
Vasquez-Lopez, on the other hand, suffered only minor injuries, including a cut on his lip and an injury to his left arm.
Investigations revealed that Vasquez-Lopez was traveling at approximately 68 mph in an area with a 35-mph speed limit just moments before the accident. He did manage to apply his brakes briefly before colliding with Davis’ vehicle.
Pulliam also testified that federal agents were in the area attempting to stop Vasquez-Lopez before the crash. Surveillance video from Hesse K-8 School and the Whitefield Avenue police precinct show Vasquez-Lopez making an illegal U-turn to evade law enforcement before heading toward Truman Parkway at high speed.
Pulliam testified that he was unable to obtain statements from federal agents at the scene due to federal protocol
At the hearing, Pulliam said he spoke with Vasquez-Lopez at the hospital.
“He informed me that he did not recall anything from the incident,” Pulliam said.
Recorder’s Court Judge Crystal Harmon found there was enough probable cause for the case to move forward. It will now proceed to Superior Court for formal prosecution.
Vasquez-Lopez is now facing four charges: vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to obey traffic controls.
The Chatham County Police Department is still awaiting Davis’ autopsy results.