Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA — A City of Atlanta police officer who tested positive for the coronavirus was supposed to be in isolation. But instead, he was caught driving 130 mph on I-75, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
It was until later that the trooper learned he was exposed to the virus. And the Atlanta Police Department called its officer’s actions “appalling.”
“This officer’s actions show an appalling lack of judgement that reflects poorly on our department and the majority of our men and women working hard to stay healthy and serve the public during this difficult time,” APD told Channel 2 Action News. “Once he is deemed healthy and returns to work, he will be immediately relieved of duty and face a disciplinary investigation by our Office of Professional Standards.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is not identifying the officer nor the trooper as doing so would reveal private health information.
According to the GSP, the off-duty officer was driving a 2017 red Dodge Challenger on I-75 southbound near North Marietta Parkway on Sunday evening when he was pulled over by a trooper. The officer was given a citation for driving 130 mph in a 65-mph zone, the GSP said.
Dash-cam footage is not available because the investigation into the speeding incident remains open, the GSP said. The condition of the trooper was also not released.