Franklin County Deputy Killed in Interstate 85 Crash

A 26 year-old Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy was killed in a car crash late Wednesday night on Interstate 85.

Deputy Steven LaCruz “Cruz” Thomas was traveling northbound around 9PM, trying to catch up to a vehicle to pull them over for a traffic violation, when a tractor-trailer tried to change lanes and made Thomas' car go off on the grass median.  This caused him to lose control of the vehicle, and his car traveled across both northbound lanes of Interstate 85, flipped over, and hit a few trees.  Deputy Thomas was ejected from the vehicle.

Thomas, a father who was also the son of Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, died at the scene. He was employed part-time with Franklin County Sheriff's Department, and a full-time deputy with Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

Since Thomas was ejected from his vehicle, it has not been said whether or not he was wearing a seat belt.  It is uncommon (but not impossible) for persons to be ejected from a vehicle when they are “buckled up.”

Remember, this Memorial Day weekend law enforcement will be vigilant with their “Click It or Ticket” campaign and will most definitely give you a citation if you or your passengers are not wearing seat belts.

Also, in case you didn't know, the “Click It or Ticket” campaign includes having children properly restrained in a motor vehicle.  If your child is not in an appropriate car seat or isn't wearing a seat belt, you can also expect a ticket.

It has been proven that seat belts save lives and everyone at the Law Offices of Richard Lawson wants you to be safe this holiday weekend.

If you need expert legal assistance, contact the Law Offices of Richard Lawson today.  You don't have to wait until Monday morning (or even Tuesday morning,  due to the holiday weekend) to talk to an experienced Atlanta DUI Attorney.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call, answer your questions, and discuss your case.  You have everything to lose by hiring a “general practitioner” lawyer to represent you.  Don't take chances with your future.  Give us a call and let's get started on your defense TODAY!