The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating after officers said a pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle on Monday night.

According to police, officers were called to reports of a collision between a vehicle and pedestrian along I-285 South near Covington Highway at around 10:25 p.m.

Officers said preliminary investigation suggests that the man was walking in the road when a driver hit him. Police said the driver remained at the scene after the collision. The man hit was later pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene.

No other details regarding the incident have been released.

Stay with 11Alive as we work to learn more details.

The incident occurred on Monday evening, March 16, 2026, at approximately 10:25 PM, on I-285 South near Covington Highway (in DeKalb County, Georgia – a suburb of Atlanta).

Details of the incident (according to the official report from the DeKalb County Police Department):

The victim was a man (idenтιтy not yet released due to family consent or ongoing procedures – not Dandre Williams as some earlier sources mistakenly reported).

According to preliminary investigation: The man was walking in the middle of the highway when he was struck by a vehicle.

The victim sustained serious injuries and died at the scene (pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene).

The driver remained at the scene and did not flee. Police have taken statements and are currently investigating for any violations (speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, etc.).

There were no signs of a hit-and-run. This was a direct collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Traffic Impact:

The I-285 South lanes were completely closed for several hours for investigation and cleanup, causing significant traffic congestion in the busy area near Covington Highway.
Police used helicopters and searchlights for the investigation.

Investigation Status (latest update as of March 20, 2026):

The DeKalb County Police Department is continuing its active investigation.

No charges have been filed against the driver (as evidence, traffic cameras, and witness statements are still being collected).

There is no danger to the public following the incident. Police have not released further information about the victim (age, residence) out of respect for the family.

Reactions & Notes:

This incident once again highlights the extremely high risk of pedestrian accidents on I-285 (a route around Atlanta where pedestrian accidents are frequent). This is the second pedestrian fatality in recent times on I-285 in DeKalb County (the previous one was in December 2025).