Road rage involving motorcycle and SUV puts man in hospital

A Morrow man was arrested on multiple charges Nov. 22 after causing a motorcycle to crash on Ga. Highway 54 in Fayetteville and leaving the scene of the accident, police said.

Ira J. Lawrence, 31, was charged with aggravated assault, aggressive driving, hit and run/failure to render, reckless driving, improper use of turn signal/light and revoked or suspended license, according to arrest records.

Fayetteville Det. Mike Whitlow said the incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. after Lawrence had entered the city traveling east on Hwy. 54.

Lawrence was traveling in the left lane behind a motorcycle. Though the motorcycle’s rate of speed is unknown, Whitlow said the motorcycle driver continued in the left lane where Lawrence in his SUV began to tailgate the motorcycle.

The driver of the motorcycle motioned Lawrence to back off but Lawrence continued tailgating, Whitlow said, adding that one point the motorcycle driver threw what could have been a balled-up piece of paper, hitting the SUV’s windshield.

Whitlow said Lawrence entered the right lane, passing the motorcycle near Grady Avenue then re-entered the left lane. That action resulted in the motorcycle being overturned onto the roadway, Whitlow said.

Lawrence did not stop after the accident and continued driving east on Hwy. 54, Whitlow said.

Witnesses to the incident called 911 and Lawrence was apprehended by a Fayetteville officer a short distance away.

The motorcycle driver, who was unconscious when officers first arrived, was transported to Atlanta Regional Medical Center where he later spoke with officers, Whitlow said.

Whitlow said the driver of the motorcycle has not been charged at this time, adding that the incident is still under investigation.