A Spelman College student is facing multiple charges after allegedly causing a wrong-way DUI crash that shut down a major Atlanta interstate and left one person with serious injuries early Friday morning.
The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. on I-75/I-85 near the North Avenue exit, where a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper spotted a 2012 Mercedes-Benz traveling north in the southbound HOV lane.
Before law enforcement could stop the vehicle, the driver—identified as 20-year-old Addison Thornton—crashed into a 2018 Buick Encore.
A passenger in Thornton’s car suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
DUI Arrest and Charges
Troopers administered a DUI test, which Thornton failed. Authorities also discovered she was carrying a fake driver’s license at the time of the crash.
She has been charged with the following offenses:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving on the wrong side of the roadway
- Possession of a fraudulent driver’s license
- Serious injury by motor vehicle
- Underage alcohol consumption
Thornton is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail.
Spelman College Responds
Spelman College confirmed that both Thornton and her 17-year-old passenger are students at the university.
“We are aware that two Spelman students were involved in an off-campus traffic accident on March 7, 2025. At this time, we are gathering more information and have been in touch with the families of both students,” a Spelman College spokesperson said in a statement.
Authorities have not yet released updates on the condition of the victims involved in the crash.
