APD SPO G Thomas

SPO G Thomas

On January 24, 2012, shortly after 11:00 PM Senior Police Officer Gail D. Thomas was struck by a vehicle on I-75 southbound just before the I-85 northbound ramp. Senior Police Officer Thomas died on the scene. She was 46.

“I am deeply saddened that one of our police officers lost her life in the line of duty last night,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “Senior Police Officer Thomas was a veteran police officer whose sense of duty and commitment to public safety inspired many of her fellow officers. The City of Atlanta is quiet as we mourn this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Senior Police Officer Thomas has been employed with the City of Atlanta for nearly 20 years and has been a sworn police officer for 15 years. She was assigned to the Zone 5 precinct on the morning watch.

A Zone 5 officer arrived at 11:00 PM to handle a single car accident on the ramp to I-85 north from I-75 south, the officer immediately called for additional units to assist with traffic control while the investigation was conducted. Senior Police Officer Thomas was the second officer to arrive. Shortly after exiting her vehicle, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The Atlanta Police Department immediately dispatched the Chaplains Unit to the scene to help employees with grief counseling. Additionally, all officers assigned to Zone 5 morning watch will participate in mandatory group grief counseling, and be offered individual services through the City of Atlanta’s Employee Assistance Program on a voluntary basis.

One arrest was made on the scene, Chasity Nicole Jones W/F 11/27/89. She was charged with D.U.I./ Alcohol and Homicide by Vehicle 1st Degree along with other traffic charges. Ms. Jones blew a .16 on scene and refused consent for a state administered blood alcohol reading. A search warrant was obtained and blood was retrieved at Grady Hospital.

The Atlanta Police Department family would like to thank local media for their professionalism and patience during this tragic time, specifically for not releasing the officer’s name until we could make proper family notifications. We would also like to thank other law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for their assistance during this incident.

“We ask that your thoughts and prayers be with Senior Police Officer Thomas’ family and the department during this difficult time,” said Police Chief George Turner.

Chief George Turner will be available for a sound opportunity today at 2:00 PM at Public Safety Headquarters.

Content Editor

<H2>SPO G Thomas</H2>
<IMG style="WIDTH: 121px; HEIGHT: 155px" src="http://www.atlantapd.org/files/GailThomas.jpg" width=151 height=175>On January 24, 2012, shortly after 11:00 PM Senior Police Officer Gail D. Thomas was struck by a vehicle on I-75 southbound just before the I-85 northbound ramp. Senior Police Officer Thomas died on the scene. She was 46. “I am deeply saddened that one of our police officers lost her life in the line of duty last night,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “Senior Police Officer Thomas was a veteran police officer whose sense of duty and commitment to public safety inspired many of her fellow officers. The City of Atlanta is quiet as we mourn this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and colleagues during this difficult time.” Senior Police Officer Thomas has been employed with the City of Atlanta for nearly 20 years and has been a sworn police officer for 15 years. She was assigned to the Zone 5 precinct on the morning watch. A Zone 5 officer arrived at 11:00 PM to handle a single car accident on the ramp to I-85 north from I-75 south, the officer immediately called for additional units to assist with traffic control while the investigation was conducted. Senior Police Officer Thomas was the second officer to arrive. Shortly after exiting her vehicle, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle. 
The Atlanta Police Department immediately dispatched the Chaplains Unit to the scene to help employees with grief counseling. Additionally, all officers assigned to Zone 5 morning watch will participate in mandatory group grief counseling, and be offered individual services through the City of Atlanta’s Employee Assistance Program on a voluntary basis. One arrest was made on the scene, Chasity Nicole Jones W/F 11/27/89. She was charged with D.U.I./ Alcohol and Homicide by Vehicle 1st Degree along with other traffic charges. Ms. Jones blew a .16 on scene and refused consent for a state administered blood alcohol reading. A search warrant was obtained and blood was retrieved at Grady Hospital. The Atlanta Police Department family would like to thank local media for their professionalism and patience during this tragic time, specifically for not releasing the officer’s name until we could make proper family notifications. We would also like to thank other law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for their assistance during this incident. “We ask that your thoughts and prayers be with Senior Police Officer Thomas’ family and the department during this difficult time,” said Police Chief George Turner. Chief George Turner will be available for a sound opportunity today at 2:00 PM at Public Safety Headquarters.