Gumlog Man Charged with Homicide by Vehicle

A head-on collision in June that killed a Gumlog man has resulted in the indictment on homicide by vehicle charges against the man authorities say is responsible.

The Franklin County Grand Jury has indicted 54-year old James Thomas Teate of St. Michael Drive in Gumlog on two counts of felony Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, and two counts of felony Serious Injury by Vehicle.

Teate was also indicted on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, possession of drug related objects and DUI -drugs.

The indictment alleges was driving under the influence of drugs when he sped away from the Dollar General on Gumlog Road down Poplar Springs Rd.

According to the Georgia State Patrol incident report, Teate was driving his 2004 Chevy Colorado east on Poplar Springs when he crossed the center line going around a curve and hit a 2010 Chevy Malibu head-on, killing 46-year old Leon Padgett of Park St. and seriously injuring his wife, 45-year old Cynthia Mays.

Padgett died at the scene. Teate suffered minor injuries.

The indictment states Mays, who was driving the Malibu, suffered serious injuries and was disfigured.