Georgia State Representative Devan Seabaugh Arrested on DUI Charges After Striking Bicyclist in Atlanta

Georgia State Representative Devan Seabaugh was arrested late Thursday night after being involved in a traffic incident that has raised significant concern and attention. The incident occurred around 9:09 PM in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood, specifically along Memorial Drive near Park Avenue. According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Seabaugh’s vehicle struck a bicyclist who was riding within the designated bike lane. The GSP’s NightHawks North DUI Task Force responded to the scene, and following their initial investigation, Seabaugh was taken into custody.

Seabaugh was transported to the Atlanta City Jail, where he was booked on multiple charges, including several counts of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and failure to obey traffic control devices. Although the Georgia State Patrol has not yet released comprehensive details on the charges, they indicated that more information could be made available in the coming days. The arrest has stirred public interest, especially given Seabaugh’s position as a state representative and his ongoing campaign for reelection.

Following the incident, Seabaugh took to social media to issue a statement. He expressed relief that the accident did not result in any serious injuries, stating, “I’m thankful no one was hurt in last night’s traffic incident.” Seabaugh also emphasized his respect for the law enforcement officers involved and expressed his intent to allow the legal process to run its course. In a subsequent statement, he clarified, “I have never used drugs in my life. I did not use or possess drugs on Thursday evening,” aiming to address and dispel any potential misconceptions about the circumstances leading to his arrest.

Devan Seabaugh, a Republican, has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since winning a special election in July 2021. He represents House District 34, which includes parts of Marietta, Kennesaw, and other areas of west Cobb County. His arrest comes at a critical time, as he is currently campaigning for reelection against Democrat Karl Gallegos, with the election set for November 5.

The incident has sparked discussions among political observers and constituents, with some questioning how this could affect Seabaugh’s political career and his party’s standing in the region. While some voters may be swayed by concerns over road safety and the consequences of DUI-related incidents, others may wait to see how the legal proceedings unfold before making any judgments. The coming weeks will likely reveal how this incident impacts Seabaugh’s reelection campaign and his future in Georgia politics.