Martinez Greenlee, 19, Killed in Pedestrian Accident Involving Police Vehicle on Beaver Ruin Road in Gwinnett County, Georgia

A tragic collision occurred in Gwinnett County during the early morning hours of Monday when a police patrol vehicle struck and killed 19-year-old Martinez Greenlee near the I-85 interchange on Beaver Ruin Road. The incident took place shortly before 1:00 AM, just outside the Norcross city limits. According to Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) spokesperson Officer Dustin Martin-Young, the officer was traveling eastbound on Beaver Ruin Road after exiting I-85 when Greenlee attempted to cross the road approximately 100 yards from the designated crosswalk at Shackleford Road intersection. The officer immediately stopped, contacted dispatch, and attempted to provide emergency assistance. Despite being rapidly transported to the hospital by Gwinnett Fire and EMS, Greenlee ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Georgia State Patrol and the GCPD Accident Investigation Unit conducted an on-scene investigation, which concluded around 5:00 AM when the roadway was reopened to traffic.

Location and Infrastructure - The incident occurred on a critical stretch of Beaver Ruin Road, a major east-west arterial corridor in Gwinnett County that experiences heavy traffic volumes due to its proximity to I-85. The area where the accident took place is situated between the I-85 interchange and Shackleford Road, characterized by commercial development and frequent pedestrian activity. This section of roadway features multiple lanes in each direction and is designed for relatively high-speed traffic flow as it connects to the interstate. While there are designated crosswalks at major intersections, including the one at Shackleford Road, the spacing between safe crossing points can be substantial, which may influence pedestrian behavior in the area.

Legal Rights and Considerations -Under Georgia law, pedestrian fatalities involving government vehicles fall under specific legal frameworks, including the Georgia Tort Claims Act, which governs claims against state entities. Survivors of deceased victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death claim, though notice requirements when suing government entities are much shorter - often just six months. Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. While pedestrians are generally required to use marked crosswalks where available, this doesn't automatically absolve drivers of responsibility, as Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. Both the driver's duty of care and the pedestrian's actions will be evaluated in determining liability.

Related Resources:

• Gwinnett County Police Department: 770-513-5000
• Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services: 678-518-4800
• Georgia State Patrol - Post 51 (Gwinnett): 770-784-5007
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gahighwaysafety.org
• Georgia Department of Transportation: www.dot.ga.gov
• Gwinnett County Victim Services: 770-822-8444
• Georgia State Law Library (Traffic Laws): www.gasupreme.us/law-library