November 2, 2000

Georgia Highway 71

    At approximately 08:50 hours on November 2, 2000 a two vehicle collision occurred on Georgia Highway 71 at the #4 mile post which is in the area of Highway 71 and Tanglewood Drive.  Witnesses report seeing a dump truck southbound on Georgia Hwy. 71 impact the left rear of a red mini van which was also southbound.  Immediately following the initial impact the driver of the van, identified as Ms. Shirley Fauscett, 36, of Dalton, lost control and left the right side of the roadway.  The van impacted the curbing at roadside and overturned numerous times.  During the course of the collision, two passengers were ejected from the van.  The ejected passengers were identified as Mr. Danny M. York, 55, of Dalton and Ms. Brenda J. Crider, 49, also of a Dalton address.  Mr. York and the driver of the van, Ms. Fauscett were injured in the collision but were listed in stable condition at the time of this press release.  Ms. Crider was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision as a result of injuries sustained during the event.

    The driver of the dump truck was identified as Mr. William T. Perkins, 18, of a Rome, Georgia address.  Mr. Perkins was not injured in the collision.  Investigators with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office have charged Mr. Perkins with reckless driving and first degree vehicular homicide.  Investigators report that speed and inattention on the part of Mr. Perkins appear to be the primary contributing factors in this case.