Crime & Safety

Man Dies Following Scooter Accident

Gary Smith of Lithia Springs has been charged with 2nd degree vehicular homicide in the July 2 death of Powder Springs resident Paul Hodges following the May 25 wreck.

Paul Hodges, a 72-year-old Powder Springs resident, died on July 2 following injuries from a May 25 motor scooter accident at the intersection of Hill Road and Hiram-Lithia Springs Road.

Hodges was traveling eastbound on Hill Road toward the intersection of Hiram-Lithia Springs Road, according to a news release sent out today from Cobb County police. A 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by 65-year-old Lithia Springs resident Gary Smith, was traveling northbound on Hiram-Lithia Springs Road when it struck the scooter, ejecting Hodges.

A 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass, driven by 50-year-old Powder Springs resident Richard Moody, was traveling westbound on Hill Road when Hodges collided with the front of it after being ejected, the release says.

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Hodges was transported by ambulance to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment. Moody and Smith denied treatment and were released at the scene.

At the time of the crash, Smith was charged with failure to yield, but following Hodges’ death, his chargers were upgraded to 2nd degree vehicular homicide, the release says. 

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Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call 770-499-3987.

Born in Atlanta, Hodges was retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, . He was also an Army veteran.


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