A tragic incident occurred on Highway 41 Wednesday evening when a man intentionally ran into the path of an eighteen-wheeler truck. The accident took place just before 7 p.m. in the right northbound lane of the highway, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
28-year-old Michael Thomas Outlaw, a resident of Womack Drive, was initially standing on the shoulder of the road, a few feet north of Womack Drive. The report states that Outlaw suddenly ran west into Highway 41, directly into the path of the truck. The truck’s front left struck Outlaw, and the impact occurred in the right northbound lane.
The truck driver, unable to stop or swerve to avoid the collision, continued for approximately 300 feet before coming to a controlled stop in the turning lane of a vehicle lot. Outlaw was found lying partially on the shoulder and partially in the right northbound lane, coming to a final uncontrolled stop.
Investigators were able to determine the manner of the collision based on vehicle damage, driver statements, witness accounts, and video evidence. The truck driver reported that he was traveling north in the right lane when Outlaw suddenly ran into his path. He said there was no way for him to prevent the accident.
Multiple witnesses provided additional details. One witness stated that he had observed Outlaw pacing back and forth along Womack Drive for about three days before the incident. He noted that Outlaw appeared to be watching the northbound traffic on Highway 41. This witness saw Outlaw run into the highway and collide with the truck.
A second witness, traveling in front of the truck, saw Outlaw standing near Womack Drive, watching the traffic. After passing, he looked back in his rearview mirror and saw Outlaw being struck by the truck.
A third witness, approximately 40 yards behind the truck and traveling at the same speed due to traffic congestion, also observed Outlaw run across the east side of the highway and into the path of the truck.
Video footage from the scene confirms that Outlaw ran directly into the path of the truck. Investigators continue to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident, but it appears that Outlaw’s actions led to the tragic collision.
