A devastating hit-and-run collision on Winder Highway near Stanley Court in Lawrenceville, Georgia, claimed the life of a 3-year-old child in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 26. Lawrenceville Police officers initially responded shortly after 5:10 a.m. to a nearby apartment complex at 287 East Crogan Street following a report of a missing toddler. During their search of the surrounding area, officers discovered the unresponsive child lying in the roadway on Winder Highway. Despite immediate life-saving efforts rendered by officers on scene, the child was pronounced dead by the Gwinnett County Fire Department. Investigators determined the child had sustained injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Through surveillance and investigative work, authorities identified a blue 2008 Honda CR-V as the suspect vehicle, locating it at a nearby warehouse. Rohitbhai Patel, 67, of Snellville, was subsequently arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run and second-degree vehicular homicide. The child's identity has not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred on Winder Highway (Georgia State Route 8) near the intersection of Stanley Court in Lawrenceville, the county seat of Gwinnett County in the northeastern Atlanta metropolitan area. Winder Highway is a multi-lane arterial road that carries significant through-traffic connecting Lawrenceville to surrounding communities, including the city of Winder to the northeast. The incident took place adjacent to a residential apartment complex at 287 East Crogan Street, a setting where pedestrian activity — including that of young children — may be reasonably anticipated near roadway edges. Early morning low-light conditions at approximately 5:10 a.m. present heightened visibility challenges for drivers. The proximity of residential housing to a high-volume state highway underscores ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety infrastructure, including lighting, barriers, and crosswalk access in areas where apartment communities border arterial roadways.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, hit-and-run involving serious injury or death is a felony offense carrying significant criminal penalties. Rohitbhai Patel faces charges of felony hit-and-run (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270) and second-degree vehicular homicide (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393.1). Separate from criminal proceedings, the family of the deceased child may have civil legal remedies available, including a wrongful death claim under Georgia's Wrongful Death Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 et seq.), which allows surviving family members to seek the full value of the life of the deceased. Potential compensation may include funeral and medical expenses, as well as damages for the loss of the child's life. Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Families are encouraged to consult with a licensed Georgia attorney to understand their rights and options. The at-fault driver's auto liability insurance may also be implicated in any civil proceedings.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Lawrenceville Police Department — Non-emergency/tip line: 770-339-2412
• Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services: 770-513-5000
• Gwinnett County Emergency Management: 770-822-8265

Traffic Safety Resources

• Gwinnett County Department of Transportation: 770-822-7400
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): 404-631-1990
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS): gohs.georgia.gov

Support Services for Accident Victims and Families

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: gcvc.georgia.gov | 404-656-5903
• Victim Assistance Program – Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office: 770-822-8400
• Georgia SAFE (Support, Advocacy, and Family Empowerment) Resources: 1-800-GEORGIA

Georgia Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Georgia Code – Hit-and-Run Statute: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270
• Georgia Code – Vehicular Homicide: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393 / § 40-6-393.1
• Georgia's Uniform Rules of the Road: law.georgia.gov
• Official Georgia Code (searchable): advance.lexis.com/container?config=00JAA3ZTU0NTIzYy0zZDEyLTRhYmQtYWE0OC0zNmExOGYwMWJlZjMAoAFTI&crid=b4f28a0e

If you have information related to this incident, please contact the Lawrenceville Police Department at 770-339-2412. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.