Teen accused of hitting, killing 4-year-old in Mall of Georgia parking lot released on bond – WSB-TV Channel 2

Lina PortmanJune 3, 2024

6 1 minute read

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A teenager accused of hitting and killing a 4-year-old child in the parking lot of the Mall of Georgia has been arrested and released on bond.

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Police said Jacob Johnston struck and killed Abigail Hernandez outside Dick's Sporting Goods on March 10. Hernandez was with his father and 7-year-old sister at the time. They were both injured, but survived.

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When Gwinnett police completed their investigation, they determined the driver should not face criminal charges. They said Johnston remained at the scene and cooperated with police.

The prosecutor's office said it decided to file charges after seeing video of the incident.

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“The beauty of our system is that decisions do not rest solely on one authority. We have checks and balances,” said a staff member at the prosecutor’s office. “Periodically, the prosecutor's office and the police will see things slightly differently, but it depends on our willingness to prosecute and move forward.”

Johnston was booked into jail May 31 on charges of second-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving. It is unclear whether he was arrested or surrendered. Each charge could result in up to a year in prison.

Johnston posted $59,000 bond and was released June 1.

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