Driver Charged in Head-On Collision

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Woodstock, GA -- The driver of one of two vehicles involved in a head-on collision that sent five people to the hospital has been charged in connection to the accident.

The Georgia State Patrol has charged 26-year-old Joshua Cameron Chernak of Canton with reckless driving, no proof of insurance, driving while license suspended or revoked, driving under the influence, four counts of serious injury by vehicle and purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of controlled substances or marijuana, the agency said Monday.

Chernak was the driver of a 2000 Ford Mustang involved in the Feb. 11 collision with a 2011 Infiniti G37, which took place around 9:15 a.m. along East Cherokee Drive at Highlands Drive in unincorporated Woodstock.

A preliminary investigation shows the Mustang was traveling eastbound on East Cherokee Drive when it crossed into the westbound travel lane and collided with the Infiniti, Georgia State Patrol spokesperson Tracey Watson said.

Two occupants in the back seat of Ford Mustang were ejected and one front occupant in the Ford Mustang was trapped and had to be extricated, the agency added.

Passengers inside the Mustang were Dustin Lee Smith, 24, of Canton; Jerel Fike, 21, of Canton and Rene Alexandria Freeman, 21, of Jasper, who the Georgia State Patrol has also charged with purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of controlled substances or marijuana.

The driver of the Infiniti, Rebecca McLaws, 43, of Canton, was also injured in the crash. The five patients were all transported by ambulance to WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

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Image: October 2015 booking photo of Joshua Cameron Chernak. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff’s Office