7:15 P.M. UPDATE:
HCSO NARRATIVE:
The driver of a large trash truck has been arrested following a traffic accident on Gillsville Highway (SR 323) Wednesday morning that left the road closed through midday.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) charged Richard George Harvey, 43, of Sugar Hill, with failure to maintain lane, driving too fast for conditions and operating a vehicle with an expired tag. In addition, Harvey was wanted on warrants out of Gwinnett County.
According to the AIU investigation, Harvey was driving a 2004 Volvo bobtail semi-truck and carrying a load of household garbage. As he traveled northbound on Gillsville Highway, he entered a curve north of Suggs Road and lost control of the vehicle. The truck overturned, dumping trash into the roadway and onto private property. The crash was first reported to Hall County Dispatch at 8:33 a.m.
Harvey was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville for assessment of minor injuries. While he was at the hospital, he fled. Deputies located him at a fast food restaurant on South Enota Drive in Gainesville and took him into custody.
Gillsville Highway was closed to traffic for several hours. The road was partially reopened around 1:45 p.m. The Georgia Department of Transportation assumed control of the scene around 2 p.m. )and announced the road had completely reopened at 4:40). The wreck damaged a water line on one of the private properties, extending the length of time for the road closure.”
HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACEBOOK POST
4:40 P.M. UPDATE:
Per Georgia DOT, all lanes of Gillsville Highway are now open. It’s been a long day – thanks for your patience!
2:45 P.M. UPDATE:
One lane is now open to traffic.
12:45 P.M. UPDATE:
Gillsville Highway remains closed to traffic. Cleanup is ongoing.
10:30 A.M. HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) FACEBOOK POST:
A big rig carrying garbage has overturned on Gillsville Highway (SR 323) between Laprad Circle and Holly Springs Road. HCSO deputies are on scene directing traffic. Traffic will be diverted to Holly Springs Road while clean-up is underway. Be aware of extended delays in the area.