Diego Elizalde

The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Name:
Elizalde, Diego Ricardo

Date of Booking:
02/04/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F

Disregarding Traffic Control Device – M

Reckless Driving – M

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On February 4th, 2026, I, Officer Abd Al Kareem, responded to a motor vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of Middleground Rd and Dutchtown Rd. The vehicles involved were a silver 2016 Chevrolet Malibu bearing Georgia tag [REDACTED] and a gray 2019 Hyundai Kona bearing Georgia tag [REDACTED].

Upon arrival, I spoke with the driver of the silver Chevrolet Malibu, identified as Mr. Diego Elizalde. Mr. Diego stated that he was traveling northbound on Middleground Rd approaching Dutchtown Rd when he observed the traffic light turn yellow and then red. Mr. Diego advised that he attempted to stop his vehicle but was unable to do so, which resulted in a collision with the gray Hyundai Kona.

I then spoke with the driver of the gray Hyundai Kona, identified as Ms. [VICTIM #1]. Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s mother was present and assisted with translating the conversation. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated that she was stopped at the traffic light eastbound on Dutchtown Rd. She advised that when her light turned green, she proceeded into the intersection and was immediately T-boned by the vehicle driven by Mr. Diego.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] further advised that once both parties exited their vehicles, she immediately recognized Mr. Diego. She stated this was due to a prior incident in July of 2025, during which she alleged that Mr. Diego raped her after she stayed overnight at his residence for the Fourth of July (see CRN 250715062).

Both Ms. [VICTIM #1] and her mother also stated that Mr. Diego has been stalking Ms. [VICTIM #1] and has driven around their residence on multiple occasions. Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s mother further advised that she had recently allowed Ms. [VICTIM #1] to drive the gray Hyundai Kona because Mr. Diego was familiar with Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s personal vehicle and would follow her.

I then spoke with a third-party witness, identified as Ms. [WITNESS #1]. Ms. [WITNESS #1] advised that she was traveling northbound on Middleground Rd behind Mr. Diego’s vehicle. She stated that she observed the traffic light was red and observed Mr. Diego’s vehicle continue straight through the intersection. Ms. [WITNESS #1] further stated that she did not observe Mr. Diego’s brake lights illuminate at any point prior to the collision with Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s vehicle.

At this point, I considered the timing of the traffic signals, including the amount of time it takes for the light on Middleground Rd to turn red, the brief interval where all traffic lights at the intersection are red, and the subsequent green light for Dutchtown Rd. I also considered the time it would have taken for a prudent person to enter the intersection. These factors indicate that Mr. Diego’s traffic signal would have been red for a noticeable amount of time prior to him entering the intersection.

Additionally, I considered the prior history between Mr. Diego and Ms. [VICTIM #1], including Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s allegations of stalking. Based on these factors, I did not believe this collision to be coincidental. It should also be noted that the point of impact on Ms. [VICTIM #1]’s vehicle was near the center of the front passenger door.

Mr. Diego was placed in double-locked handcuffs and charged with the following:

OCGA 16-5-21, Aggravated Assault
OCGA 40-6-20, Disregard of a Traffic Control Device
OCGA 40-6-390, Reckless Driving

Mr. Diego was transported to the hospital, where he was medically cleared, and was then transported to CCDC by Officer Roosenburg.

[End of Narrative]

The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

2/11/26

BOND DENIED

What this means: Diego Ricardo Elizalde appeared before a Recorder’s Court judge in Chatham County for his first court appearance after being charged with aggravated assault and traffic violations. The judge denied his request for bond, meaning he will remain in custody while his case proceeds through the court system.

---

2/11/26

FIRST APPEARANCE

What this means: Diego Ricardo Elizalde made his initial court appearance in Chatham County Recorder’s Court on charges of aggravated assault (a felony), disregarding a traffic control device, and reckless driving (both misdemeanors). During this hearing, he was informed of the charges against him and his rights. This is typically the first step in the criminal court process.

---

2/25/26

ATTORNEY ENTERS LIMITED APPEARANCE

What this means: A defense attorney filed paperwork with the Chatham County court indicating they will represent Diego Ricardo Elizalde for limited purposes in his case. This means the attorney is not taking on full representation but will handle specific aspects of the case, such as particular hearings or motions while in custody.

---

3/11/26

FELONY DOCKET HEARING

What this means: Diego Ricardo Elizalde’s case was scheduled for a felony docket hearing at 2:00 pm in Chatham County Recorder’s Court, with the arresting officer required to attend. This type of hearing typically involves reviewing the evidence and determining whether there is probable cause to proceed with the felony aggravated assault charge.

---

3/12/26

FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGE DISMISSED

What this means: The Chatham County court dismissed the felony aggravated assault charge against Diego Ricardo Elizalde. This means he is no longer facing the most serious charge in his case, which was the felony that could have carried significant prison time.

---

3/12/26

MISDEMEANOR CHARGES BOUND OVER TO STATE COURT

What this means: While the felony charge was dismissed, Diego Ricardo Elizalde’s two misdemeanor charges – disregarding a traffic control device and reckless driving – were bound over to Chatham County State Court. These traffic-related charges will now proceed in the higher court system.