Georgia Tow Operator Struck and Killed on Interstate 85

A Georgia tow operator was struck and killed on March 15 by an out-of-control vehicle on Interstate 85 near Newnan, GA.

Operator Toby Bowden, 49, was at an accident scene that closed the left lane and left emergency lane. He was standing in the left side emergency lane near fire engines when a 2006 Honda Civic reportedly traveling too fast for conditions swerved to avoid the fire engines. The Civic driver, Christopher Thornton, 31, of Franklin, GA, lost control of the vehicle, which rotated counterclockwise into the left emergency lane and struck Bowden, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A deputy on the scene narrowly escaped serious injury and was taken to a local hospital. He was released shortly after.

Police charged Thornton with first-degree vehicular homicide, move-over law violation, reckless driving, driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and too fast for conditions.