UPDATE #2: (Peachtree Corners, Ga., Mar. 22, 2024) – The lead investigator assigned to this case has charged the driver of the yellow Camaro with several crimes related to this collision.

Aaron Vaughn (age 30, Lawrenceville) has been charged with Murder in the Second Degree, three counts of Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, two counts of Transporting a Child in a Vehicle without proper restraint, Driver Required to Wear a Seatbelt, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree, Serious Injury by Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Speeding. He was arrested and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail on Friday, March 22, at 3:06 p.m.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the detective determined that Vaughn was traveling in excess of 100 mph just prior to the collision with the BMW. The speed limit on this stretch of roadway is 45 mph.

The children seated in the backseat, his daughters, ages 5 and 6, were restrained using the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt, but not a child safety seat as required by law. Georgia law requires that all children under the age of eight be restrained in a child safety seat appropriate for their height and weight.

The passenger (female, age 28) in the front seat of the Camaro is still being treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

UPDATE #1: (Peachtree Corners, Ga., Mar. 11, 2024) – Following the initial on-scene crash investigation, the Accident Investigation Unit determined that two vehicles were involved. The call originally came in to the 911 Center at 3:57 p.m.

The driver of a dark blue BMW was traveling eastbound on Elmside Village Lane, attempting to make a left onto Peachtree Corners Circle northbound. The driver of a yellow Chevrolet Camaro (age 30) was traveling southbound on Peachtree Corners Circle in the right lane. The BMW entered the intersection and was struck in the driver’s side door of the Camaro.

The driver and passenger of the BMW both died at the scene. The driver’s name is Armas Harding (age 46, Brookhaven), and the passenger’s name is Laura Rueda (age 46, Brookhaven).

The driver of the Camaro, along with the front seat passenger, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The rear seat passengers were both children (ages 5 and 6), and they were transported to Scottish Rite with serious injuries. One of the children, Aura Camarono (age 5, female), died at the hospital. The other child is still receiving treatment.

Both vehicles were impounded to the Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

ORIGINAL: (Peachtree Corners, Ga., Mar. 10, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle accident that left three people deceased in Peachtree Corners.

Just before 4:00 p.m., officers assigned to the West Precinct responded to an “Auto Accident Person Trapped” call at Peachtree Corners Circle and Elmside Village Lane. When officers arrived, they requested the Accident Investigation Unit. Gwinnett County Fire Personnel identified three deceased individuals. Three additional people were transported to local hospitals, one of which was listed as critical.

The roadways have been reopened. What factors led to the collision have not yet been determined. The Accident Investigation Unit continues the investigation. Specific identifying information of the deceased is being withheld until all next-of-kin are notified.

Witnesses are encouraged to call or email GCPD Investigators with any helpful information at pdaccidentinvestigationunit@gwinnettcounty.com or 678.442.5653. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.