Derek Renkema

Name:
Renkema, Derek Peter Edward

Date of Booking:
08/07/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Homicide by Vehicle in 2nd Degree

Failure To Yield Right Of Way Turning

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.]

I was assisting a motorist with a flat tire when I was notified by a commercial vehicle driver that there was a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. I immediately responded to the incident location, called for medical, and observed a black Harley Davidson motorcycle lying next to a white truck. The vehicles appeared to be the ones involved in the collision. I observed two males standing over the patient, later to be identified as [VICTIM #1].

[VICTIM #1] had visible trauma to his legs and torso. I observed blood coming from [VICTIM #1]’s nose and mouth. [VICTIM #1] was lying with his face straight up and torso turned slightly to the left. [VICTIM #1]’s trauma was severe, but I could still see him breathing. I told Deputy Dely #1142 to go to the Patrol Vehicle and get gloves. Due to [VICTIM #1]’s condition, I was concerned that moving him without a neck collar could cause further trauma to his neck. A black male came out of a vehicle stopped in traffic and stated he was a paramedic. The citizen advised me that I should not move [VICTIM #1] at this time. Once I had gloves, the Paramedic stated that when Fire gets close, I should hold [VICTIM #1]’s head stable. I heard the sirens coming, so I got on the ground and held [VICTIM #1]’s head stable.

Fire arrived on scene and began their assessment. I was told that [VICTIM #1] was choking on his blood at this time, and they attempted to suction it out. The suction was not working, so I was told to assist in leaning [VICTIM #1] on his side to pour out the blood from his mouth. I continued to stabilize [VICTIM #1]’s head while Fire began CPR, periodically turning him over to empty his mouth of blood. This cycle continued until Metro arrived on scene and took over life-saving efforts. [VICTIM #1] was later transported from the scene to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

I remained on scene and was notified by GSP that the alleged driver of the truck, Derek Renkema, was being charged with Vehicular Homicide in the second degree. I transported Derek to the Paulding County Detention Center at the request of the Troopers. Derek was turned over to the Detention Center without incident.

[End of Narrative]