‘He meant a great deal’: Police lieutenant killed in overnight crash while on duty

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) - The South Fulton Police Department is mourning the loss of a longtime officer who died after suffering injuries in a vehicle crash.

Lt. Helio Garcia, a dedicated member of the department for more than six years, died early Wednesday morning after being rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital with critical injuries.

According to officials, Garcia was not only a veteran officer but also one of the founding members who helped build the South Fulton Police Department from the ground up.

The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday on Flat Shoals Road near Connell Road. Authorities say Garcia was on duty and driving a department-issued vehicle when a 2016 Infiniti QX70 veered into his lane, striking his patrol car head-on. Garcia’s Ford Explorer was left heavily damaged in the collision.

Garcia and 31-year-old Santoria McLean, the other driver, were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where Garcia died. McLean remains in serious condition.

Georgia State Patrol is now leading the investigation. While details are still being gathered, South Fulton police say alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

GSP says McLean will likely face charges once she’s released from the hospital.

Garcia leaves behind a wife and three children.

His family released the following statement:

“Helio was not only my husband—he was the love of my life and the steady heart of our family. He was a devoted father who loved his children—Angelina Rosa Pittman, Nicolas Anthony Garcia, Isabella Echeverri, and our late son, Giovanni Armando Garcia—with all of his heart. He also shared a special bond with our son-in-law, Jacob Pittman. Helio lived his life with integrity, strength, and an infectious kindness that touched everyone he met. Our hearts are broken by this loss, but we find comfort in the love he gave us and the memories we will carry with us forever. His legacy lives on in each of us. At this time, we ask for your prayers and privacy as we grieve. We are deeply grateful to the South Fulton Police Department, the City, and our entire community for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”- Mrs. Garcia

During the news conference, South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows said Garcia worked hard to build the police department up from the inside out.

“In the 39 years I’ve been doing this job, I’ve lost a lot of friends in the line of duty. And certainly none hits harder than this one to me, simply because Helio meant a great deal to me as a leader in this organization,” he said.

The incident marks the department’s first line-of-duty death, a loss that has shaken the force and the community.

“When you see something tragic like this, especially when it can be prevented, it certainly hits us hard,” Meadows said.

City leaders have been sending condolences to Garcia’s family, friends and fellow officers.

Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs called Garcia “honorable” and noted his unwavering commitment and quiet strength in the South Fulton community.

“Lt. Garcia gave his all for this city, and his tragic passing in the line of duty is a painful reminder of the sacrifices made daily by those who wear the badge,” said Gumbs.

The police department said it will honor Garcia’s memory by supporting his family and continuing to build up its community partnerships, an aspect of the force that Garcia was passionate about.