In a critical intervention during the early morning hours of Sunday, a Gwinnett County police officer successfully prevented a potential tragedy by stopping a wrong-way driver in Buford, Georgia. At approximately 2:45 a.m., the officer observed a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The situation escalated when the driver, later identified as 27-year-old Yuris Galvez, executed a U-turn directly in front of the officer and continued driving against traffic. Responding to the immediate danger posed to oncoming traffic, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. When the driver failed to comply, the officer made the tactical decision to employ a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver, successfully stopping the vehicle before any collisions could occur. Galvez was subsequently arrested and faces multiple charges including DUI, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, and fleeing or attempting to elude police.

The intersection of Nelson Brogdon Boulevard (also known as GA-20) and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard represents a major junction in Buford's transportation infrastructure. This heavily trafficked area serves as a crucial connector between residential areas and commercial districts, experiencing significant vehicle flow throughout the day. The multi-lane configuration of both boulevards, combined with their roles as primary arterial roads, makes wrong-way driving particularly hazardous in this location. The area is surrounded by retail establishments and is situated approximately one mile from the Mall of Georgia, contributing to consistent traffic patterns even during off-peak hours.

In Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) carries significant legal consequences, including potential jail time, fines up to $1,000, and license suspension for first offenses. Wrong-way driving incidents involving DUI typically result in enhanced penalties due to the extreme danger posed to other motorists. Georgia maintains a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from auto accidents, though criminal charges like DUI follow different timelines. Victims of wrong-way driving incidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages, particularly when impaired driving is involved.

Related Resources:

• Gwinnett County Police Department: Emergency Response Division
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Gwinnett County Victim Services
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: DUI Programs
• Georgia Code Title 40: Motor Vehicles and Traffic Laws