Woodstock Man Charged With DUI In 2-Vehicle Crash

BARTOW COUNTY, GA — A Woodstock man has been charged in connection to a two-vehicle crash that seriously injured a Cartersville resident Monday evening on Interstate 75 in Bartow County.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, a 2018 Tesla Model 3 was traveling on the northbound side of the interstate in the center lane while a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche was going in the same direction in the left lane.

The driver of the Tesla, identified as Joshua Michael Barrett, 29, of Woodstock, "drove too fast for conditions and changed into the left lane," the state agency said. After changing lanes, the vehicle followed too closely, struck the rear of the Chevrolet and traveled off the west shoulder of the interstate.

The Tesla traveled back on the roadway, rotated clockwise across all lanes of travel and came to a rest facing north on the east shoulder. The Avalanche came to a rest on its left side facing southbound off the east shoulder, the state patrol added.

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Barrett was transported to Cartersville Medical Center for treatment. He is charged with DUI, driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, reckless driving, possession of open container in vehicle passenger area, serious injury by vehicle, unlawful to purchase, possession or have control of any controlled substance, possession and use of drug-related object and failure to maintain lane.

The driver of the Chevrolet Avalanche, 52-year-old Cartersville resident James Otis Hester, was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital. No updates have been provided about his condition. Bartow County Jail records show Barrett was booked into the facility early Tuesday and released on bail Thursday.

Photo: Joshua Michael Barrett. Credit: Bartow County Jail