Jackson Ragland

Name:
Ragland, Jackson Parker Thomas

Date of Booking:
08/22/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
HIT AND RUN; DUTY OF DRIVER TO STOP AT OR RETURN TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT

FAIL TO YIELD WHEN ENTER/CROSS ROADWAY

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 August 22, 2025, I responded to a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Hodgeville Road and Hillside Drive. Upon arrival, I briefly spoke with individuals involved in the accident. I was advised that a red sedan, driven by a light-skinned Black male, had caused the accident and then fled into the Hillside Drive subdivision. Witnesses stated that the red sedan had damage to the front passenger-side bumper and front passenger-side tire.

As I entered the subdivision and drove toward Partridge Run, I observed a red sedan parked on the side of the roadway. I noticed a young Black male sitting on the ground attempting to change the front passenger-side tire. The tire was completely destroyed, with the rim resting on the ground. The vehicle was identified as a red Hyundai Sonata, and the driver was identified as Jackson Ragland.

I asked Jackson what had happened. He stated that while attempting to merge onto Hodgeville Road to make a left turn toward Chatham County, his vehicle made contact with another vehicle traveling in the same direction. Jackson stated that his vehicle spun around as a result of the impact, causing a third vehicle to lose control and crash into a culvert. He stated that after driving back into Hillside Drive, he exited his vehicle to check on his girlfriend. Jackson further stated that he left the immediate scene only because his girlfriend told him to get out of the roadway.

I asked Jackson why he chose to leave the scene and drive approximately one to two blocks away instead of remaining at the location of the crash. Jackson stated that he did not believe he had left the scene, claiming he only drove a short distance away. He again stated that he moved due to being told to get out of the road.

I informed Jackson that multiple witnesses reported seeing him cause the accident and then leave the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information. Witnesses specifically stated that after the crash, Jackson drove back into Hillside Drive and away from the accident, and at no point did they observe him stop.

At that time, I informed Jackson that he was under arrest for hit and run. The crash resulted in reported injuries, including a two-year-old child who complained of neck pain. Jackson was placed in handcuffs and transported to the Effingham County Jail. Rahn’s Wrecker Service was called to remove the vehicle.

[End of Narrative]