A Milton, Georgia police lieutenant was terminated after being identified as the driver in a deadly hit-and-run on I-75, raising serious accountability questions for local law enforcement.

At a Glance

• Milton police lieutenant fired following fatal I-75 crash in Marietta
• Victim was struck and killed in an early morning collision
• Officer did not remain at the scene after the incident
• GBI and local authorities have launched parallel investigations

Officer Terminated After I-75 Tragedy

A senior officer in the Milton Police Department has been fired after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal collision in Cobb County, Georgia. The incident occurred on Interstate 75 near Marietta, where a pedestrian was killed by a vehicle later traced to the off-duty lieutenant.

Watch now: Milton Police Officer Fired After Deadly Hit‑and‑Run · YouTube

Initial reports indicate the pedestrian was walking along the highway shoulder around dawn when struck. The driver left the scene without notifying authorities. Subsequent forensic analysis and witness accounts led investigators to the Milton police lieutenant, who was not on duty at the time but operating a personal vehicle.

Investigation and Public Response

Following the identification of the officer, the Milton Police Department issued a statement confirming the individual’s immediate termination. The department also pledged full cooperation with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which has taken the lead in the case. Parallel inquiries are being conducted by Cobb County police.

Community advocates and legal experts have emphasized the need for transparent proceedings given the officer’s prior position of authority. Civil rights organizations have raised concerns about how long the suspect remained unidentified and whether law enforcement protocols influenced the timeline.

Broader Implications for Law Enforcement

This case highlights the complex dynamics at play when members of law enforcement are implicated in criminal investigations. Legal analysts suggest that, while termination is a critical step, full criminal accountability remains essential to maintain public trust.

The incident comes amid ongoing national scrutiny over police conduct and internal disciplinary processes. Critics argue that systemic reforms are needed to ensure that officers are held to the same legal standards as civilians, particularly in cases involving fatalities.

State and local officials have yet to confirm whether charges will be filed. The district attorney’s office in Cobb County is expected to provide an update following the completion of GBI’s initial findings.

Sources

WSB Radio
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
11Alive