Drunk Driver Arrested for Vehicle Homicide

While on his route, a delivery man for the Marietta Daily Journal, Gideon Alawine, was killed when a drunk driver rear ended his car in the early morning of April 3th. Per authorities, while driving on Macland Road around 2:30 a.m. making his newspaper deliveries, Alawine’s car was struck, rotated clockwise, and came to a final rest on its roof.

Thomas W. Thompson, 40, of Powder Springs was arrested and charged with two felonies and several misdemeanors. Thomas faces charges of homicide by vehicle in the first degree and tampering with evidence. He also faces charges with following too closely, speeding, driving under the influence and having an open container, all misdemeanors.

Police say that Alawine, who also resided in Powder Springs, was on duty as he drove his blue 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan west on Macland Road when he was rear-ended by Thompson’s silver 2015 Ford F-150.

After not hearing from her husband, Essie Alawine became concerned. As she went looking for him, she drove pass the accident scene, unaware that her husband had been involved. She was contacted by police later that he had been killed. Essie told the MDJ that she is disabled and cannot work, saying her husband was the breadwinner.

Friends and family described Alawine as a kind person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

A GoFundMe page has been established for those who want to support the family at this time.