Tesla rear-ends Atlanta patrol car investigating another crash on I-75 overnight

ATLANTA - A Tesla driver was arrested early Monday morning after crashing into a stationary patrol vehicle on I-75 near Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.

The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. when an Atlanta police officer was blocking lanes with emergency lights and sirens activated to investigate a prior crash. According to investigators, the Tesla struck the patrol car from behind.

The officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and is expected to recover. The driver of the Tesla, identified as Pedro Thomas, was uninjured and remained at the scene.

Police said Thomas appeared impaired and admitted to drinking three alcoholic beverages. After failing a field sobriety test, he was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, reckless driving, and expired registration.

Thomas was transported to the Atlanta City Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing.