Latest news with #SantoriaMcLean
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Community honors fallen South Fulton police captain during National Police Week
Family, friends, and fellow officers gathered Saturday evening for an emotional candlelight vigil honoring South Fulton Police Capt. Helio Garcia III, who died in the line of duty last month. The vigil was held outside the South Fulton Police Department precinct on Roosevelt Highway as part of National Police Week. It marked the first time Garcia's wife, Eliana Garcia, publicly spoke about her husband's death. 'He's a hero. He's an amazing man,' she said through tears. 'A man that would be next to you through the good and the bad. A man that would always come home.' But on the night of April 15, he didn't. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Garcia, 43, was killed when another driver, 31-year-old Santoria McLean, allegedly crossed into his lane on Flat Shoals Road and struck his patrol vehicle head-on. 'It's a nightmare. I feel like I'm in a movie,' Eliana Garcia said. 'My kids are suffering, I am suffering, our family, our friends, the police department — everyone is suffering due to a selfish act.' McLean, who was seriously injured in the crash, was treated at Grady Memorial Hospital for over a month before being transferred Thursday to the Atlanta City Detention Center. She remains in custody without bond. According to Fulton County Jail records, McLean faces multiple charges, including first-degree homicide by vehicle, felony reckless driving, improper or erratic lane change, and driving too fast for conditions. Authorities are still awaiting blood test results to determine whether she was impaired at the time of the crash. South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows said Saturday's vigil was meant to celebrate Garcia's life and legacy. TRENDING STORIES: Manhunt underway for man accused of taking infant hostage in Hogansville, assaulting officer Body found in search for missing kayaker at Lake Lanier Back at it again: Couple says contractor investigated by Channel 2 left them with unfinished pool 'He said I want to come over and help you build this police department,' Meadows said. Garcia helped start the South Fulton Police Department. He started his career with the College Park Police Department. Through flickering candlelight and heartfelt tributes, those gathered remembered Garcia as a beacon of strength and compassion. His daughter also spoke briefly, saying, 'I always have to remind myself that he's always with us.' Garcia was posthumously promoted to captain and laid to rest on April 21 following a memorial service at World Changers Church International. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Woman charged with killing South Fulton officer in head-on crash
The Brief Santoria Latrice McLean has been formally charged with the death of South Fulton Capt. Helio Garcia. Garcia was killed in a head-on crash while on duty. McLean's charges include erratic driving and homicide by vehicle in the first degree. SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The woman accused of killing South Fulton Police Department's 47-year-old Capt. Helio Garcia in a head-on collision has officially been charged. What we know Santoria Latrice McLean, 31, of Atlanta, was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol. Her charges include: Driving - Improper/Erratic Lane Change Reckless Driving Too Fast For Conditions/Prima Facie Speed Driving- Homicide By Vehicle In 1st Degree - Felony Her bond was denied after appearing before a judge for the first time on Friday. She's being held in the Fulton County Jail. The backstory According to the authorities, Garcia was on duty and driving his patrol vehicle on April 15, 2025, when a driver veered into his lane. Both Garcia and the other driver, identified as McLean, were rushed to a local hospital. Garcia did not survive his injuries. Officials confirmed Garcia was a proud husband and father to two daughters and one son. What we don't know Police have not confirmed why McLean veered into oncoming traffic, causing the crash. They did look into whether she was under the influence of the crash, but the toxicology report has not come back yet. So far, her charges notably do not include DUI. The Source This information has been confirmed by the South Fulton Police Department.
