Driver Charged With DUI, Homicide After Killing Jogger

DACULA, GA -- A man faces homicide and DUI charges after police say he struck and killed a jogger with his car Saturday morning in Dacula.

Police say Christian Arizabaleta, 32, was driving south on State Route 124 near South Puckett’s Mill Road at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday when he drifted into the right turn lane and struck a curb.

His vehicle, a 2015 Audi Q7, went on to strike two concrete traffic islands and, in the process, hit Karen Ann Ray, 56, of Dacula, who was jogging and legally in the crosswalk at South Puckett’s Mill Road, police say.

Ray died at the scene as a result of her injuries, according to a news release from Gwinnett County Police.

After striking Ray, Arizabaleta’s Audi went on to strike another curb, drive over a sidewalk and hit several trees before coming to a stop.

Arizabaleta is charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

He was being held at Gwinnett County Detention Center as of Monday morning.