DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A Decatur man was sentenced to spend 10 years behind bars after he was convicted of injuring a Dunwoody police officer during a traffic stop.
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On Monday, Derric Alexander Simpson, 40, entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to charges including aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer when engaged in official duty.
Officers pulled Simpson over Aug. 1, 2019, on Ashford Dunwoody Road near the entrance ramp to Interstate 285 around 11:30 a.m. They said he was violating the hands-free law by looking at his cell phone while behind the wheel.
During the traffic stop, officers say Simpson put the car into drive. Ofc. Nathan Daley, who was at the driver’s side window of the car, reached in to try to stop him from driving away. As he did, Simpson took off, with Daley hanging partially out of the car.
A dramatic video showed Simpson driving onto I-285 as he tried to sideswipe several cars to free Daley from his vehicle.
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As he gets onto I-285 west, Simpson can be seen in the video hitting a white Ford van, knocking Daley to the ground. Daley is flung off into traffic as other officers continue to chase down Simpson.
The van driver was able to slam on his brakes to avoid running over Daley.
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said Simpson continued driving down I-285 at speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour, leading the other officer on a chase for nearly two miles.
Moments later, Simpson was involved in a multi-car crash, hitting five other cars, before hitting the side wall. He then jumped out of his car and ran. Officers chased after him and took him into custody moments later.
The DA’s office said Daley suffered multiple injuries including road rash, a severed ligament and a gash above his left eye. He was taken to Northside Hospital for treatment and fortunately, survived the incident.
Simpson also pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated battery, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, interference with government property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and other drug and traffic charges.
A judge sentenced Simpson to 25 years to serve 10 years in confinement with the balance on probation. Because of his prior criminal history, Simpson is not eligible for early parole and must serve the entire 10 years in custody.
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