Deputy-Involved Wreck Claims One Life

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An afternoon wreck between a Toombs County Sheriff’s deputy truck and a van took the life of one man on U.S. Highway 1 on Monday, January 12.

First responders were dispatched to a wreck at the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Five Points Road at approximately 5:11 p.m. on January 12. Upon arriving, a witness told officials that a Toombs County Sheriff’s deputy truck was traveling north on U.S. Highway 1 when it struck a blue van that was entering the highway and turning off of Five Points Road.

When deputies arrived, they found the van driver – identified as James Wilbanks, 82, of Vidalia – entrapped in his vehicle and having already succumbed to his injuries prior to the deputies’ arrival. The driver of the Sheriff’s office truck was identified as Deputy Jamiya Perry, who was alert and walking around upon the responders’ arrival.

The accident investigation was turned over to the Georgia State Patrol Post 18-Reidsville, and a Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team Trooper soon came to the scene to continue the investigation.

Based on preliminary evidence, troopers believe Wilbanks failed to yield to the oncoming Sheriff’s truck, causing the truck to hit the van at the van’s front driver door area.

“We ask that you pray for the Wilbanks family and Deputy Perry during this difficult time,” Toombs County Sheriff Jordan Kight commented.