Driver checking texts leads to wreck with police officer : News : MySouthwestGA.com

Driver checking texts leads to wreck with police officer

by FOX 31 News Team

Posted: 01.01.2013 at 2:06 PM

FOX 31 News Team

The FOX 31 News Team covers Southwest Georgia 24/7

Officers took pictures of the damage sustained to the police cruiser after the wreck. / Albany Police Department

Photo: 1 of 2

More slideshows »

ALBANY, GA -- An Albany police officer is injured and sent to the hospital after an early morning car wreck caused by a driver checking a text message.

Investigators say that 23-year-old Lauren Owens was texting on her phone around 2:30 AM Tuesday morning while travelling on West Broad Avenue.

Officers say that while checking a text, she collided with a parked Ford Crown Victoria owned by Timmie Shelton III. Owens then proceeded to hit a parked police car with 44-year-old officer Garnet Lincey inside.

Lincey was transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and was released later Tuesday morning. Officials with the department say the officer is ok and at home resting.

Owens faces citations of failure to maintain lane and not having a driver's license on her at the time of the wreck and has been charged with texting while driving.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as the story develops and the FOX 31 newscast at 10 PM.

Related Links

		Christmas traffic claims 17 on Georgia roads
		Driver flees after hitting tree near Liberty Expressway

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, Fox 31, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please flag it above.

Popular Stories

Drug unit arrests two and looking for a third
Courtney Highfield | Yesterday at 11:48 AM | 1 comment

Operation Run or Gun aims to keep streets safe
FOX 31 News Team | Yesterday at 10:02 AM | 1 comment

Child death investigation in Albany
Jessica Fairley | Tuesday, June 18, 2013 | 5 comments

Follow My Southwest GA

Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below

submit

Special Features

Legal

Finding the right lawyer to handle your needs is important.

Win a booster seat!

Click above for your chance to win a booster seat and get safety tips for your child!

Bright Side

Spreading the good news around Southwest Georgia!

Find it, click it, use it... your neighborhood business guide.

Latest Headlines

WG&L discusses credit card charge
The Water Gas & Light board met this evening and were discussing a charge that will be tacked on to those that use a credit card to pay their bill.
read more »
New faces for Sylvester Police
Poulan Police search for sprinting suspect
Georgia radio hosts fired after mocking ex-NFL player with ALS
Terminal set to take-off in the coming weeks
Low attendance headlines DCSS meetings

Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia