Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer

******For Immediate Release******

Incident:    Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer
Date:         August 2, 2019
Location:   Ashford Dunwoody Road at Interstate 285 west

On Thursday, August 01, 2019, at 11:35 AM, Dunwoody Police officers observed a driver violating the Georgia hands-free law on Ashford Dunwoody Road near Interstate 285 west. Officers initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 35-year-old Derric Alexander Simpson of Decatur, GA.

While speaking with Mr. Simpson during the traffic stop, Mr. Simpson began to put the vehicle in gear. Dunwoody Police Officer Nathan Daley reached into the vehicle in an attempt to stop Mr. Simpson from fleeing. Mr. Simpson accelerated with Officer Daley still partially inside the vehicle. Officer Daley held on to the vehicle as Mr. Simpson sped away.

While holding on to the vehicle, Officer Daley told Mr. Simpson to stop the car multiple times, but Mr. Simpson would not stop. Once on I-285 west, Mr. Simpson struck a white Ford van, knocking Officer Daley to the ground.

Another Dunwoody Police officer pursued Mr. Simpson west on I-285. Mr. Simpson was involved in a multi-vehicle crash just before Roswell Road. The Dunwoody Police officer pursuing Mr. Simpson pulled up as Mr. Simpson was fleeing on foot from the wrecked vehicle. The officer gave chase and took Mr. Simpson into custody moments later.

Mr. Derric Simpson has been charged with:

• Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer
• Aggravated Battery
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
• Trafficking in Ecstasy
• Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute
• Hit and Run
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Interference with Government Property
• Violation of the Georgia Hands-Free Law
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute

Officer Daley was treated and released at a local hospital and is now recovering at home.

Additional questions regarding this incident should be directed to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

Requests for photographs of Mr. Simpson should be directed to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

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