Driver Charged in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Gwinnett County Police say the driver involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Lawrenceville Highway Wednesday (Jan. 16) morning has now been charged.

In a media release, GCPD Cpl. Jake Smith reported that Sharon Mitchell-Golden, 49, of Stone Mountain, turned herself in to police Thursday. Mitchell-Golden has been charged with second degree vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor, and driving more than 300 feet in the center turn lane, he said.

Mitchell-Golden reportedly struck 17-year-old Dakota M. Waters of Lawrenceville as he tried to cross Lawrenceville Highway between Hamilton and James Road in unincorporated Lawrenceville about 7:30 a.m. Mitchell-Golden was traveling northbound on Lawrenceville Highway in her 2007 Land Rover and entered the center turn lane to turn left onto James Road, according to Smith.

Waters was crossing Lawrenceville Highway outside of a crosswalk and was standing in the center turn lane as the Land Rover approached. Mitchell-Golden was unable to stop, and her vehicle struck Waters, Smith reported. Waters was transported by ambulance to Gwinnett Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries.

The weather conditions (rain and low light) are considered to be contributing factors; speed and alcohol are not considered contributing factors at this time, Smith said.

Waters was a student at Berkmar High School.

This accident occurred yards from where R&B singer and actress Natina Reed was also killed while trying to cross the multi-lane highway.