Local

GSP: Alcohol may be factor in Newton County fatal crash

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Eastbound lanes of Interstate 20 in Newton County are back open after a double-fatal crash Sunday morning.

Georgia State Patrol officials originally reported that five people were injured in a five-vehicle wreck. GSP has since clarified that three vehicles were involved in the crash, which left three people injured.

The accident happened at about 3:30 a.m. near the Salem Road exit.

According to GSP, a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic ran out of fuel and was stopped on the south shoulder.  A 1997 Toyota Camry had stopped to help the driver of the Sonic and was parked in the right travel lane.

A 2004 Jeep Patriot being driven by Kevin Poynter, 28, from Conyers struck the Camry in the rear and side-swiped the Sonic.  A pedestrian between the Sonic and the Camry was killed and a passenger in the Camry also died in the crash.

Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor and blood was drawn from Poynter for analysis.  Charges will be filed against Poynter, GSP said.  The crash remains under investigation.

I-20 eastbound lanes were reopened at about 8 a.m.