Teen Hit By Tractor Trailer While Changing Tire On I-75

Charges are pending in an accident in which a teenager was hit by a tractor trailer while helping his stepfather change a tire in southern Bartow County.

Troopers received the call at 7:47 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 along Interstate 75 at mile marker 281, said Georgia State Patrol spokesperson Tracey Watson.

Initial reports indicate a van was parked on the right shoulder along the interstate. Acworth resident Chris Abernathy, 14, was helping his stepfather, Bret Dunham, 57, also of Acworth, change a tire “when a tractor trailer traveling northbound left its lane of travel and struck the 14-year-old pedestrian,” Watson stated.

The teen was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston for treatment.

Watson noted charges are pending for the driver of the truck, identified as Albert Riha, 32, of Ringgold.

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