DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a guilty plea in the case of Derric Alexander Simpson, a Decatur resident charged with injuring a police officer during a traffic stop in Dunwoody. On January 27, Simpson, aged 40, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery, and possession of controlled substances.
The incident occurred on August 1, 2019. Two Dunwoody Police officers observed Simpson using his cell phone while driving on Ashford Dunwoody Road, violating Georgia's hands-free law. After pulling him over near the I-285 entrance ramp, they detected the smell of marijuana from his vehicle.
Officer Nathan Daley asked about the odor and requested permission to search the car. Instead of complying, Simpson attempted to flee by accelerating with Officer Daley partially inside the vehicle. As he drove onto I-285 at high speed during heavy traffic, Simpson sideswiped another vehicle causing Officer Daley to fall onto the pavement. The driver of that vehicle managed to stop without further injury to Officer Daley.
Simpson continued driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph before crashing into a wall after hitting five other cars. He was apprehended following a brief foot chase. A search of his car revealed controlled substances, cash, scales, and a firearm.
Officer Daley sustained injuries including road rash and a severed ligament and was treated at Northside Hospital.
Judge Nora Polk presided over the hearing where both prosecution and defense presented their arguments regarding sentencing. The State recommended 15 years in custody while the defense sought an eight-year term. Judge Polk sentenced Simpson to 25 years with ten years in confinement followed by probation. Due to prior criminal history, Simpson is not eligible for early parole.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Patrick and Thomas Williams with support from Investigator Edwin Perkins and Victim Advocate Mariana Salgado. Detective Gilbert led the initial investigation for the Dunwoody Police Department.