UPDATE #1: (Duluth, Ga., Mar 19, 2025) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining new information regarding this case.

In the early morning hours of September 27, 2024, as Hurricane Helene impacted Georgia, Mecha Woodard tragically lost her life after being struck by a motor vehicle while walking along the eastbound shoulder of State Route 316 near Breckinridge Blvd. Investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a 2019–2022 Lexus RX 350 or Lexus RX 450, which sustained damage to the front passenger-side bumper and headlight.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to please contact GCPD detectives at 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. 

ORIGINAL: (Duluth, Ga., Oct 2, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking information from the public concerning a hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

On September 27, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Mecha Woodard (age 24, Sandy Springs) pulled her vehicle over and began walking in the gore zone between State Route 316 and the entrance ramp from Boggs Road when she was struck by an unknown vehicle.

The suspect vehicle suffered damage to the front passenger-side bumper and headlight. Investigators with our Accident Investigation Unit were able to collect vehicle parts from the scene and determined that the suspect vehicle is a 2019-2022 Lexus RX350 or Lexus RX 450.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 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.