One Arrested After Crash Leaves Child In Critical Condition

DECATUR, GA -- One person has been arrested in connection with a Thursday afternoon Decatur crash that has left a five-year-old child in critical condition. Michelle Wierson, 52, of Avondale Estates is facing multiple charges after police said her 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan struck two cars near Midway Road and South Candler Street. Wierson is also accused of attacking an off-duty DeKalb police officer who was responding to the accident.

Police said Wierson struck a 2011 Toyota Corolla that contained an adult male driver and a 5-year-old child that was stopped at the red light on Midway Road at South Candler Street. Police said Wierson continued into the intersection and struck a 2007 Dodge Caliber traveling south on South Candler Street. That's when, police said, Wierson got out of her vehicle and began behaving erratically, running in and out traffic.

The off-duty DeKalb County police officer and a MARTA police officer traveling in the area stopped to assist with the accident. Wierson then allegedly began assaulting the DeKalb County police officer and was taken into custody for battery against a police officer.

The child in the Toyota was unresponsive, and the MARTA officer and bystanders administered CPR to the child until medical personnel arrived. Both the adult driver and child were taken to a local hospital, and the adult was treated and released.

Wierson was taken into custody and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. She was later booked into the DeKalb County jail for battery.

On Friday, Decatur police obtained arrest warrants for Wierson for serious injury by vehicle; driving under the influence/drugs (less safe); reckless driving; and, following too closely. The injured child is still in critical condition.

South Candler Street was closed for a short time between Brower Street and Kirk Road Thursday night while police investigated.

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