Two Charged in Fatal Downtown Connector Motorcycle Wreck

Atlanta police say a drunk driver hit a motorcycle on the Downtown Connector early Sunday morning killing a woman who has yet to be identified.

According to Officer Kim Jones, the incident took place shortly before 3 a.m. That’s when Jessica M. Johnson, of Lithia Springs, was driving a 2012 Hyundai Sonata on I-75/85 South. After entering the left lane to the I-20 Connector, she struck a 2013 Suzuki GSX motorcycle in the rear.

The rear seat passenger fell of the motorcycle and was struck by Johnson’s vehicle. The motorcycle continued across the right lane and struck the median wall barrier. The male driver of the motorcycle walked over to the Hyundai Sonata and observed the victim under the car and began calling her name. He then fled the scene after she did not respond.

After this Johnson reportedly blew a .209 on a preliminary breath test, which is more than twice the 0.08 legal alcohol limit to operate a vehicle in the state.

Johnson was charged with first-degree vehicle homicide, DUI, reckless driving and following too closely, and was taken to the Fulton County jail.

The alleged motorcycle driver was taken into custody at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was looking to be treated for injuries. Saahir Salahuddin, 37, was charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, hit and run and theft by receiving a stolen auto.