Off-duty Atlanta police officer faces charges in deadly drag racing crash

Shawn Jones Jr. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

Credit: Raisa Habersham

Credit: Raisa Habersham

Shawn Jones Jr. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

Seven months after an off-duty Atlanta police officer allegedly caused a crash that left one man dead, officials said Wednesday he faces vehicular homicide charges.

Shawn Jones Jr. has been charged with vehicular homicide, speeding, racing and reckless driving, the Georgia State Patrol confirmed. A second person, Jade Dibaje, was also charged.

A fatal crash investigation closed Peachtree Street near the Invesco building Wednesday. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

icon to expand image

Jones, the son of retired Atlanta Assistant Police Chief Shawn Jones Sr., was driving on Peachtree Street on Sept. 14 when he failed to maintain his lane, left the road and hit a curb, according to an incident report.

Jones’ car drove along the curb at a high rate of speed and traveled through the Peachtree and Spring streets intersection before hitting a building.

The crash killed Jones’ passenger, Ramish Attai, 20, of Lilburn. Jones was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he had surgery.

Ramish Attai (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

Credit: Raisa Habersham

icon to expand image

Credit: Raisa Habersham

Jones has been with the department since November 2011 and worked in the airport division. According to Channel 2 Action News, he is still employed but has not returned to active service.

APD Sgt. Warren Pickard said his department had not received notice that Jones had been charged.

“Nevertheless, the Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards is continuing to investigate this incident. Following the conclusion of the internal investigation, Chief (Erika) Shields will review the evidence therein to determine the appropriate disciplinary action, if any. Chief Shields has always held accountability and honesty in high regard and will continue to hold her officers to the highest standard.”

In other news: