Tallapoosa man sentenced for hit-and-run in 2023

A Tallapoosa man will spend at least the next 10 years behind bars after being convicted on multiple charges stemming from a 2023 hit-and-run on Highway 27.

James Ray Watkins, 38, pleaded guilty Monday in Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court in Haralson County to aggravated assault, aggravated battery and hit-and-run after a road rage incident on the Highway 27, near Walmart.

The Haralson County Sheriff's Office discovered during its investigation that Watkins and the victim got into a verbal altercation and then “used his vehicle to strike the victim, causing serious injury,” according to a sentencing news release. of the HCSO.

They added that the victim eventually recovered from his injuries.

Watkins, as part of his plea, will serve 10 of the 20-year sentence he received during proceedings on Monday, June 10.

Sheriff Williams emphasized in the release, “As motorists, we have a responsibility to operate our motor vehicles safely for the protection of all citizens on the highway. We congratulate Sgt. Jason Bowman and the District Attorney's Office for securing this plea to ensure justice was served for the victim.

“We will continue to enforce and investigate violations of Georgia law, including traffic-related offenses, to protect our citizens of Haralson County as well as those who are just passing through. »