Wednesday, July 18, 2001
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Wednesday, July 18, 2001 |
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Over a week later, Wal-Mart carjacking supect still critical By JOHN
MUNFORD
The suspect who wrecked a Ford Explorer after carjacking the vehicle from the Fayette Pavilion Wal-Mart last week remained in critical condition Tuesday morning at Southern Regional Medical Center. Miguel Sanchez-Vasquez's condition had not changed in over a week, according to a hospital spokesman. Sanchez-Vasquez, of Forest Park, was ejected from the Explorer when the wreck occurred on Ga. Highway 85 near Corinth Road early Sunday, July 8. The vehicle flipped over several times and was traveling over 100 mph when the accident occurred, according to a report filed by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. Authorities believe Sanchez-Vasquez was under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance at the time of the accident. Fayetteville officers have not yet filed charges against Sanchez-Vasquez as they monitor his medical condition, said Lt. Beverly Trainor of the Fayetteville Police Department. Minutes before the wreck, Sanchez-Vasquez forced Pamela Davidson into the Explorer while she was in the Wal-Mart parking lot after 1:30 a.m., according to police. As Sanchez-Vasquez drove away, Davidson leaped from the car to safety while Sanchez-Vasquez floored the accelerator, according to police accounts. Davidson was treated at Atlanta Medical Center where she was released the next day. The wreck was witnessed by a Fayetteville police officer who began driving toward the Wal-Mart area after hearing tires squeal, said Fayetteville Police Lt. Tom Kirkbride. The officer suspected the driver was intoxicated and attempted to follow the vehicle as it sped away at a high rate of speed, Kirkbride noted. The officer pursued the vehicle without using his blue lights and sirens, Kirkbride added. The accident was investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department because it occurred outside the city limits in the county jurisdiction.
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