HAHIRA, Ga. — A Hahira police officer tragically lost his life early Thursday morning when a vehicle struck his patrol car during a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 75 in Lowndes County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The officer has been identified as Caleb Abney. The crash occurred around 12:09 a.m. while Abney had pulled over a Nissan on the east shoulder of I-75. He was seated in his marked patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated when a Chevrolet Camaro veered from the northbound lane and struck the rear of the patrol car.
The impact pushed Abney’s patrol car into the Nissan, sending all three vehicles off the highway. Abney was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries. The driver of the Camaro was transported to South Georgia Medical Center but later succumbed to their injuries.
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation into the crash. Authorities have confirmed that Abney’s family has been notified.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Hahira Police Department and the community, mourning the loss of Officer Abney, who was dedicated to protecting and serving his community.
