Suspect in deadly motorcycle crash had prior DUI arrest, released on $1,500 bond
Family mourns after man dies in DUI collision
A man is in jail accused of driving drunk and killing a motorcycle rider. It happened on Easter Sunday in Douglas County. Now for the first time the victim's family is speaking about the tragedy.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - James Warren is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide in connection with the Easter Sunday afternoon death of 68-year-old Norman North.
Court records show Warren had been arrested on March 22 for DUI and failure to maintain lane charges.
Norman North
What we know:
North was riding his motorcycle in Douglas County along Highway 166 between Chapel Hill Road and Big A Road, when authorities say the suspect collided with North and allegedly fled the scene.
According to the arrest warrants, Warren fled the scene, resisted arrest, and spat in the face and chest of a deputy at Wellstar Douglas Medical Center.
Also, according to a warrant, 42 pills, described as Alprazolam, were found on the suspect.
James Warren
What they're saying:
North's brother, Brett North, says his brother was a motorcycle enthusiast. A big brother who was described as kind and generous.
"Caring, tenacious, those are words that would sum him up," said North. "The last thing I got from him was a text around 2 o'clock, and it said 'Happy Easter. I love you.'"
He says their family was stunned to learn of North's death and couldn't believe the suspect had bonded out of the Douglas County jail for an earlier DUI arrest.
"Until us as a society stand up and say 'we've had enough,' I don't know what the answer is," exclaimed North. "We are not going to fill our jails with DUIs."
The Source: FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart spoke with Norman North's brother, Brett North, for this article. Additional details were pulled from court documents and warrants.