The Dalton Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian Thursday night. Early indications are that the victim was attempting to cross Chattanooga Road near the intersection with Tibbs Road and ran in front of a pickup truck. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor.
The crash happened around 8 p.m. on Thursday in the area of the Motel 6 at 2200 Chattanooga Road. The victim, April Alesi, 40, of Newnan, Ga., had just left the front desk area of the motel where she was staying and was attempting to cross Chattanooga Road to the area of the gas station and liquor store on the west side of the road. Ms. Alesi stepped in front of a blue Ford F-150 pickup truck traveling northbound in the outside lane of Chattanooga Road driven by Edward Lamar Cooke, 42, of Dalton.
Mr. Cooke told investigators he saw Ms. Alesi looking away from him as she stepped into the road and swerved to try to avoid hitting her but he was unable.
Ms. Alesi was thrown approximately 15 feet by the impact and landed in the northbound lane.
Witnesses started CPR on Ms. Alesi and responding Dalton officers continued CPR until EMS could arrive. Ms. Alesi was transported to Hamilton Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
This crash is still being investigated by the Dalton Police Department. Investigators are seeking a search warrant for the results of tests of the victim’s blood to determine if she was intoxicated and are also seeking other evidence in the case. No charges have been filed, but charges are possible, said police.