News Summary
On January 18 in Rockdale County, a minor hit-and-run accident escalated to a shocking confrontation, leaving an off-duty police officer with multiple stab wounds. The incident stemmed from a collision on Interstate 20, where the driver of the Dodge Charger fled the scene, prompting the Silverado driver to give chase. The altercation ended violently when the Charger driver, Justin Perry Hurst, stabbed the officer before escaping. Authorities are on the lookout for Hurst, classified as armed and dangerous, while the injured officer is recovering after treatment.
Rockdale County: Shocking Road Rage Incident Leaves Off-Duty Police Officer Injured
It was a tense evening in Rockdale County on January 18, when a hit-and-run accident spiraled out of control, resulting in a shocking confrontation that left an off-duty Atlanta police officer with multiple stab wounds. Here’s what we know!
The Incident: It All Started With a Crash
Around 6 p.m., trouble began brewing on Interstate 20 eastbound near Panola Road in DeKalb County. A Dodge Charger collided with a Chevy Silverado in what appeared to be a typical fender bender. But instead of staying at the scene, the driver of the Charger made a hasty getaway, kicking off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated.
The driver of the Silverado wasn’t going to let this one slide. He pursued the Charger into nearby Rockdale County, eventually spotting the other vehicle as it pulled into a parking lot off Wall Street. Emerging from his truck, the Silverado driver confronted the Charger driver, who turned out to be 37-year-old Justin Perry Hurst.
A Heated Argument Escalates
What started as a simple argument between the two drivers escalated into a dangerous situation. In a shocking turn of events, Hurst pulled out a weapon and stabbed the officer, who, unbeknownst to him, was off-duty and just looking to resolve the mess from the earlier crash.
The stabbing happened just before 7 p.m., and as the local community held its breath, the officer was rushed to a hospital in Atlanta. Fortunately, he was released from Grady Memorial Hospital after receiving treatment and is now on the road to recovery.
Authorities on the Hunt
After the assault, Hurst made a quick escape and is now considered a fugitive. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office wasted no time, issuing a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for Hurst. His last known vehicle is a white 2019 Volkswagen Passat with the Georgia license plate CWC3082.
Hurst has connections to the Alpharetta area and is now classified as armed and dangerous. This has caused communities to remain alert as local authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to step forward and help bring him to justice.
The Bigger Picture
This alarming incident has shed light on the sometimes unpredictable nature of road rage incidents. What began as a minor car crash turned into a serious confrontation, leaving an officer injured and a community in shock. Thankfully, the affected officer is recovering, but this event serves as a stark reminder of how road rage can have severe—and sometimes violent—consequences.
In the meantime, residents of Rockdale County are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Law enforcement is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of everyone in the area and to capture the suspect before more harm can be done.
Stay Safe, Rockdale County
As we process this troubling news, it’s crucial for everyone to take a moment and think twice before letting road rage take over. A little patience can go a long way, and at the end of the day, everyone wants to arrive home safely.
Let’s hope that the investigation leads to a swift resolution and that justice is served for the officer who faced an unthinkable situation while trying to do the right thing. Stay safe out there, Rockdale County!
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- MSN News
- Atlanta News First
- OCG News
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
- Google Search: off duty police officer stabbed incident
