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Man accused of ramming a car into Filipino festival in Vancouver found mentally fit to stand trial

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 15:03 GMT by WSB-TV
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Man Arrested After Alleged Truck Ramming at a Midtown Atlanta Intersection

A shooting star of chaos erupted in the heart of Atlanta this week when a white 2016 Ford F‑150 – allegedly driven by a 32‑year‑old delivery driver from the nearby suburbs – accelerated straight into a cluster of pedestrians at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Northside Drive. Witnesses say the vehicle slammed into a group of people who had just finished a quick stop at a corner store, sending several individuals sprawling to the asphalt. Police and emergency crews were on the scene within minutes, and by late afternoon, the suspect had been taken into custody and charged with a string of serious offenses.

The Incident

According to a police statement released Thursday, the incident occurred around 2:12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13. The suspect was reportedly driving the F‑150 at a high speed and had no visible signs of a road hazard or obstruction in the area. When a small group of pedestrians – a mix of shoppers, students, and a local street vendor – began to cross the street, the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, slammed his truck into them. The impact was described by witnesses as “hard” and “sudden,” with the vehicle’s front bumper lodging into the shoulder of a 29‑year‑old woman, who sustained a fractured rib and was later transported to Emory University Hospital for treatment.

Several other victims were treated at the scene or transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from bruises and lacerations to a fractured collarbone. The police report lists seven confirmed victims, all of whom were treated for injuries but none were declared deceased. The suspect himself was reportedly dazed but otherwise unharmed, though police say he was “in shock” when he was brought in for questioning.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The suspect, identified in the media as Michael “Mike” Anderson of Marietta, has been charged with:

• Felony Assault with a Vehicle – a charge carrying up to five years in prison if convicted.
• Reckless Driving – a misdemeanor that could add an additional year and fines.
• Battery with a Vehicle – an additional felony that can carry up to three years in prison.

Anderson was booked into the Cobb County Detention Facility the same evening, where he is awaiting a bail hearing. A court docket indicates that he is set to appear before Judge Laura Hines on Thursday, November 19, for a preliminary hearing. If bail is denied, Anderson will be held until his arraignment scheduled for Friday.

In a statement released by the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, the DA said, “We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves. The safety of the community is paramount, and the court will determine whether the charges warrant immediate incarceration or a bail arrangement.”

Victim Statements and Community Response

In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 32‑year‑old Angela Thomas, a local teacher, described the shock she felt as the truck came out of nowhere: “I was on my way to pick up my kids from the after‑school program, and it was just… the vehicle came out of nowhere. I felt the impact like a punch.”

Thomas later recounted that she was in a coma for two days before being discharged, with a lingering pain in her rib cage. The medical bills, according to a spokesperson for Georgia State Insurance, could reach upwards of $15,000 for both treatment and rehabilitation.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about street safety and the use of heavy vehicles in densely populated areas. Local community leaders, including Cobb County Sheriff John R. Williams, have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicle behavior promptly.

The Suspect’s Background

Sources close to the case say that Anderson had a history of traffic violations, including a prior conviction for reckless driving in 2021. He was also under investigation for a separate incident involving a hit‑and‑run in 2020, although those charges were dismissed after evidence came to light. Police records suggest that Anderson was not a licensed commercial driver, which raises questions about his knowledge of safe driving practices in urban settings.

Follow‑up Links and Further Reading

• Court Docket Information: The official docket for the case (available at the Cobb County Superior Court website) lists the full list of charges, hearing dates, and bail requests.
• Medical Bills and Insurance Coverage: A recent article from Georgia State Insurance details the typical costs associated with assault injuries sustained in vehicular incidents.
• City Traffic Safety Reports: The city’s Department of Transportation has released a recent safety audit on the Ponce de Leon/Avenue intersection, citing it as a “high‑risk zone” for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.

Looking Ahead

The legal process for Anderson is set to take several months, with potential outcomes ranging from a plea deal to a full trial. Meanwhile, the victims are receiving ongoing medical support, and the city is evaluating whether additional traffic controls or speed limit reductions are needed to prevent future incidents.

The incident has underscored the delicate balance between vehicular mobility and pedestrian safety in urban landscapes. As authorities work to ascertain the motive behind Anderson’s sudden ramming, the community remains on high alert, hoping that swift justice and preventive measures will restore peace and safety to the streets of Atlanta.