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Name:
Cook, Ronald Thomas
Date of Booking:
01/07/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
HIT AND RUN; DUTY OF DRIVER TO STOP AT OR RETURN TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT
IMPROPER LANE CHANGE
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 January 7th, 2025, at 06:54 hours, I was dispatched to 10660 South Coastal Highway (Sunoco Gas Station) in reference to a hit and run. Prior to my arrival, a BOLO was broadcast advising the vehicle involved was a Dodge truck with a Florida tag of [REDACTED]. Shortly after, dispatch advised a McIntosh Deputy had the vehicle stopped on Georgia Highway 405 near Mile Marker 52. I arrived at the Sunoco and made contact with the complainant, Ms. [VICTIM #1].
Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised while traveling in the number 2 southbound lane on Georgia Highway 405 near Mile Marker 68, a Dodge truck with a Florida tag of [REDACTED] attempted to enter her lane from the number 1 lane and struck her vehicle. After striking her vehicle, the truck continued southbound. She was able to obtain the tag number and exited the highway at Exit 67 to call dispatch.
While on scene, I obtained Ms. [VICTIM #1]’ information to complete the accident report. She was provided a case number and informed how to obtain a copy of the accident report. See accident case number 260100803 for the accident report.
I made contact with McIntosh County Deputy King #1216 on the southbound side of Georgia Highway 405 near Mile Marker 52. She explained she conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle after the BOLO was provided by dispatch. She advised she had the driver, Mr. Ronald Cook, detained. She stated Mr. Cook admitted he struck another vehicle while traveling on Georgia Highway 405 but did not stop.
I made contact with Mr. Cook. He explained while traveling southbound on Georgia Highway 405, he attempted to change lanes from the number 1 lane to the number 2 lane. While doing so, he struck a vehicle in the number 2 lane. He advised the other vehicle continued traveling southbound, so he did not stop. He stated at one point the vehicle was following behind him as he continued southbound. He further explained if he had known the other vehicle had pulled over, he would have done so as well.
Mr. Cook was advised he was being placed under arrest in reference to a hit and run. He was placed in doublelocked handcuffs, which were checked for proper fit. Due to his age, the handcuffs were placed in front of his person. He was escorted to the rear seat of my patrol vehicle, which was searched before and after transport with no findings.
Mr. Cook’s vehicle was released to Kevin’s Towing. I transported Mr. Cook to the Liberty County Jail, where he was released to the jail booking staff without incident.
[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:
2/6/26
SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENSE – CITATIONS
What this means: This means the person was charged with a serious traffic violation and was given a citation (a written ticket). A serious traffic offense is more than a minor ticket and may involve higher fines, points on a license, or possible court requirements. The citation serves as a formal notice to appear in court.
2/6/26
CASH BOND AND RECEIPT
What this means: This means a bond was paid in cash to allow the person to be released from jail. The receipt shows proof that the payment was made. As long as the person appears for all required court dates, the money may be returned at the end of the case (minus any fees or fines, if ordered).
4/2/26
CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR @ 9:00 AM
What this means: This is a scheduled court date for arraignment, which is when the person formally hears the charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The judge makes sure the person understands the charges and their rights. It is not a trial, but it officially moves the case forward.