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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]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
1/7/26
RONALD COOK BOOKED IN LIBERTY COUNTY
What this means: Ronald Thomas Cook was arrested and booked into the Liberty County jail on charges of hit and run (failing to stop at or return to the scene of an accident) and improper lane change. In Georgia, hit and run is a serious offense that requires drivers to remain at accident scenes or return to provide information and assistance.
2/6/26
CITATIONS ISSUED TO RONALD COOK FOR TRAFFIC OFFENSES
What this means: Ronald Cook received formal traffic citations in Liberty County State Court (case number STSR2026000567) for hit and run with duty of driver to stop at or return to scene of accident, and improper lane change. These citations formalize the charges against Cook and require him to appear in court.
2/6/26
RONALD COOK POSTS $972 CASH BOND
What this means: Ronald Cook posted a $972 cash bond in Liberty County to secure his release from custody. The bond was signed on January 7, 2026, with Rob Cook serving as security (likely a family member). Cook is required to appear in state court on April 2, 2026, for his arraignment, or the bond will be forfeited.
4/1/26
ATTORNEY JASON R. CLARK ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR RONALD COOK
What this means: Attorney Jason R. Clark filed an Entry of Appearance in Liberty County State Court, formally notifying the court that he will represent Ronald Cook in case STSR2026000567. This means Cook now has legal representation for his hit and run and improper lane change charges. Having an attorney enter an appearance typically happens before or at the arraignment, which is scheduled for the next day.
4/2/26
CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR SCHEDULED
What this means: Ronald Cook is scheduled to appear at 9:00 AM on April 2, 2026, for his criminal arraignment in Liberty County. During the arraignment, Cook will be formally informed of the charges against him and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is typically the defendant’s first appearance before a judge after being charged.
5/5/26
RONALD COOK ENTERS PRETRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM AGREEMENT
What this means: Ronald Thomas Cook signed a Pretrial Diversion Program Agreement on May 5, 2026, in Liberty County State Court (case number STSR2026000567) for his charges of hit and run and improper lane change. The pretrial diversion program is an alternative to traditional prosecution — if Cook successfully completes all required terms, the Solicitor General will enter an order to close the case without a conviction on his record.
To participate, Cook must complete the following by one week prior to the status date of 9/23/26:
Complete an online defensive driving school course. Cook must also pay a Program Administration Fee of $1,000.00 (which may be converted to community service) and a one-time Program Supervision Fee of $47.00, for a total of $1,047.00 due by the status date.
Key conditions of the program include: Cook must complete an online Defensive Driving School and pay all fees. Entering the program is not an admission of guilt, and Cook is presumed innocent. The agreement was signed by Cook, his attorney Jason R. Clark, and the Solicitor General on 5/4/26, and was filed with the court on 5/5/26. The next court date is 5/5/26.
9/23/26
CALENDAR HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: Ronald Cook has a court date set for 9/23/26 at 10:30 a.m. in Liberty County. This hearing will check on the status of payments the defendant has made. This is a routine status check to ensure Ronald Cook is meeting his financial obligations as part of his case.
9/22/26
CASE SEALED BY COURT ORDER
What this means: Ronald Cook’s case has been sealed by order of the court. When a case is sealed, the public record is restricted and documents are no longer accessible to the general public. Only authorized parties, such as the defendant, attorneys, and court officials, may access the sealed records.