Driver charged in deadly crash

Monday, June 28, 2010
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

DACULA -- Police have charged the driver in a fatal crash Saturday evening on Hamilton Mill Parkway in Dacula with felony vehicular homicide, officials said.

The crash occurred about 6:30 p.m. near the parkway's intersection with Town Manor Court. Four 18-year-old occupants were southbound in a 1992 Honda Civic when the driver lost control and struck a tree in the median, police said.

Two passengers -- Emmanuel Vasquez-Marrero and Carlos Bonilla, both of Dacula -- were ejected. Vasquez-Marrero, a rear seat passenger, died at the scene, police said.

Bonilla remains in critical condition at Gwinnett Medical Center. The alleged driver, Jason Polo of Dacula, and a third passenger were hospitalized with minor injuries.

Polo is charged with vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving, said Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Brian Kelly. Police don't believe any other vehicles were involved.

The two charges related to passengers' injuries are considered felonies in light of Polo's alleged erratic driving.

Polo was arrested Saturday but has since posted $31,600 bond.

A Gwinnett Public Schools representative said Polo attends Dacula High School. Enrollment status for the other teens named in the crash was unclear.

An investigation into the crash continues.

Police urge anyone with information to call the Gwinnett County Police Department accident investigation unit at 770-513-5100.

Gwinnett Daily Post