Archived News

Child crossing road struck and killed by vehicle

A 7-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle and killed on Jan. 1 as he crossed the street with his stepfather and two siblings.

DeKalb Police said Zederick Carr was walking along the 3800 block of Flat Shoals Parkway when he pulled away from his stepfather and stepped into oncoming traffic.

“The child, along with an adult and other children, were attempting to cross the street and they had crossed the northbound lanes and were standing in the middle turn lane when, according to the adult, the boy pulled away. He was then hit by a car traveling in the southbound lane,” DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said.

According to reports, the group was trying to cross the street to go to the Serenade Apartments where the boy’s mother lives.

Parish said the incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. The child was transported to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta where he died of his injuries. Parish said no charges were anticipated in the incident.

Policeman fired for relationship with subordinate, ‘inappropriate’ photos

A DeKalb County Police Department sergeant was terminated recently for having a sexual relationship with a subordinate and taking “inappropriate” pictures with a county-issued cell phone.

According to DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish, Sgt. D.A. Thomas was fired on Dec. 16, 2011, for policy violations that stemmed from his relationship with another employee.

Parish said Thomas was terminated for not complying with orders, improper use of county equipment, traveling outside the county on duty without the knowledge of a supervisor, neglect of duty and a violation of truthfulness and cooperation.

Thomas was a sergeant in the narcotics unit, a position Parish said was a supervisory role. Parish said Thomas’ relationship with the subordinate came to light after an anonymous tip to the department’s ethics line led to an investigation.

According to Parish no disciplinary actions are being taken against the woman in the relationship.