GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA — A 38-year-old Stonecrest woman, Sade Robinson, is facing multiple felony charges after police say she drove the wrong way in the Peach Pass lane of Interstate 85, causing a deadly head-on collision that killed 56-year-old James Taylor of Lawrenceville. Police confirmed that Taylor died at the scene before first responders arrived.
Crash Occurred Just After 1:30 A.M. in the Northbound Peach Pass Lane
According to Gwinnett County police, officers were dispatched around 1:33 a.m. on Nov. 29 to a crash on I-85 near Indian Trail–Lilburn Road. A preliminary report states that Robinson was driving a white 2020 Jeep Wrangler southbound in the northbound Peach Pass lane, striking Taylor’s black 2020 Mercedes-Benz head-on in the leftmost lane.
Investigators said Taylor suffered fatal injuries instantly. His body was later released to the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office. The roadway conditions were described as clear, dry, and well-lit, and police noted there were no environmental factors contributing to the crash.
Driver Arrested at Scene, Facing DUI and Vehicular Homicide Charges
Robinson was transported to a hospital with injuries and later identified by investigators as the at-fault driver. She was arrested on charges including:
- First-degree vehicular homicide
- DUI Alcohol Less Safe
- Reckless driving
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Two counts of willful obstruction of law enforcement
Authorities have not yet determined what caused Robinson to enter the Peach Pass lanes going the wrong direction, and police say that detail remains under investigation.
Victim Identified as Lawrenceville Man
James Taylor, 56, was driving northbound when he was struck head-on. Family members and community residents expressed grief over the loss, describing Taylor as a well-known Lawrenceville resident whose death came with no warning and no chance of survival due to the severity of the collision.
The crash shut down parts of I-85 for an extended period as investigators worked through debris patterns and reviewed traffic camera recordings.
Investigation Continues as Community Seeks Answers
Police say they are still gathering evidence to determine what led Robinson into the wrong-direction travel lane. Toxicology screenings, roadway analysis, and witness interviews are ongoing as the case progresses toward prosecution…