BUFORD — A pedestrian accident is under investigation by the Gwinnett County Police Department. The accident that occurred on the night of December 20, 2019, at approximately 6 p.m., involved Gwinnett County Senior Magistrate Judge Emily Powell.
Judge Powell was attempting to cross from the south shoulder to the north shoulder of West Moreno Street at South Lee Street in downtown Buford. She was struck by a 2005 Ford F-150 truck driven by Obed Arreolo Toledo, 41 of Buford that was turning onto West Moreno Street from South Lee Street. Judge Powell sustained serious injuries as a result of being hit by the truck. She was transported from the scene to a local hospital. On December 31, Judge Powell died from her injuries.
According to the incident report, Arreola Toledo did not remain on the scene of the accident. Police later made contact with the driver at her Buford home. Her truck was impounded. No charges have been made as of yet.
According to a press release sent by Corporal Collin Flynn, Gwinnett County Public Information Officer, the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation.
Judge Powell served the residents of Gwinnett County for over 20 years as one of the original Gwinnett County Magistrates. She was a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. She continued to give back to the community through various projects including Leadership Gwinnett and Gwinnett Senior Leadership. She also was routinely called upon to help train and mentor new judges in the county due to her vast experience. Judge Powell leaves behind a husband and two children.
If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case Number: 19-117579
— Staff Reports
