A shocking DUI crash in Bartow County has drawn statewide attention after troopers said Jason Broce, 43, husband of Candice Broce, head of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (Georgia DFCS), fled a hit-and-run collision with his two children in his Ford F-150. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the Bartow County incident occurred along Ga. 3 near Felton Road, where witnesses reported a two-vehicle wreck involving a pickup that left the scene before police arrived. When stopped, Broce’s blood alcohol level registered four times the legal limit, a severe violation of Georgia law. Those facing similar charges or affected by drunk driving collisions often seek counsel from an experienced DUI lawyer or drunk driving accident attorney to navigate legal consequences and protect their rights.
Crash Details and Arrest
A Georgia State Patrol trooper spotted the damaged Ford F-150 weaving across lanes before it pulled into a gas station. As the trooper exited his car, the pickup nearly backed into the patrol vehicle. The report noted bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol.
Two children, ages five and eight, were in the back seat triggering child endangerment charges. Troopers conducted a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test, showing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.333. Under Georgia DUI law, that is more than quadruple the legal limit.
The driver was booked into the Bartow County jail on counts including DUI, DUI-child endangerment, hit-and-run, and failure to maintain lane.
Legal Implications Under Georgia Law
Under Georgia Code § 40-6-391, child endangerment is treated as a separate offense for each minor in the vehicle. A conviction can bring up to a year in jail per count, fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education.
The Georgia State Patrol confirmed that Jason Broce faces additional misdemeanor charges under Georgia law for the hit-and-run collision. Investigators are also reviewing whether the second vehicle involved sustained injuries or property damage.
Candice Broce and DFCS Conflict-of-Interest Concerns
Because Candice Broce leads the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, part of the Georgia Department of Human Services, the arrest has raised ethical questions. The agency oversees child protective services throughout Metro Atlanta and across the state.
A department spokesperson said protocols require recusal if an employee or relative becomes subject to investigation. “Under these rules, an independent reviewer handles the case,” the statement said, citing compliance with State Privacy Laws that protect personal information.
Timeline of Events on Ga. 3 Near Felton Road
Witnesses told investigators that the Ford F-150 left the scene approximately 20 minutes before troopers arrived. A 911 caller followed the pickup to a nearby gas station. The Georgia State Patrol report said Broce’s truck showed fresh front-end damage from the hit-and-run collision.
When confronted, the suspect initially denied drinking, but the field sobriety test results and breathalyzer test confirmed heavy impairment. Troopers wrote that the driver’s blood alcohol level was among the highest recorded that week in Bartow County.
Department of Human Services and Public Response
The Department of Human Services released a statement emphasizing transparency, stating that the Division of Family & Children Services enforces strict oversight whenever an internal connection exists. The department also referenced data-privacy compliance under frameworks similar to the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, both of which regulate how government bodies manage personal information.
Community members near Metro Atlanta expressed disappointment but supported the agency’s swift action to ensure impartial review.
Georgia State Patrol Crash Reconstruction
The Georgia State Patrol Crash Reconstruction Team is analyzing skid marks, impact zones, and digital modules from the Ford F-150 to recreate the accident sequence. Investigators are using onboard sensors and telemetry recorded by the truck’s black-box system to determine speed and braking moments before impact.
The Georgia DFCS confirmed that Candice Broce has not been accused of wrongdoing, and Georgia’s child protective services agency continues normal operations.
Bartow County Jail Records and Next Steps
Records from the Bartow County jail confirm that Jason Broce was booked and released on a $3,800 bond. Prosecutors in Bartow County are reviewing evidence collected by the Georgia State Patrol to decide whether felony charges may apply if the hit-and-run collision caused injury.
The case is now pending trial in DeKalb County due to potential jurisdictional review, although officials say no timeline has been announced.
Public Accountability and Government Oversight
The State Capitol has taken notice. Lawmakers and policy analysts argue that cases involving state employees’ families highlight the need for consistent enforcement and clear Privacy Policy protections.
They also discuss how agencies manage personal information and respond to public records requests under laws like the California Privacy Rights Act and Global Privacy Control initiatives. Transparency, officials say, helps maintain public confidence while respecting State Privacy Laws.
Community Awareness on Drunk Driving
The Georgia State Patrol continues to warn drivers statewide about the dangers of impaired driving. In 2024, GSP reported hundreds of fatalities linked to alcohol and substances, including opioid overdoses.
Public safety advocates encourage drivers to opt out of reckless behavior by planning rides in advance, particularly in areas like DeKalb County and Metro Atlanta, where drunk driving and child endangerment cases remain high.
Media Coverage and Local Headlines
Channel 2 Action News and other outlets covering Latest News Stories about the case reported that the suspect’s Ford F-150 struck another vehicle near a fire hydrant before leaving the scene. Nearby residents described the truck’s path as erratic.
The coverage drew comparisons to previous state-employee scandals ranging from lawn care business violations to misconduct in Marietta apartments.
Privacy, Transparency, and Public Data
As Georgia examines ethical guidelines, discussions around privacy mirror national trends like interest-based advertising and targeted advertising disclosures. Public agencies increasingly provide toggle switch tools and web browser settings to allow citizens to sign up, manage cookies, or opt out of interest-based ads.
Legal analysts mention compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, and the California Privacy Rights Act, which safeguard consumer rights through transparency requirements. Georgia’s own agencies, including the Department of Human Services, maintain policies ensuring that sensitive personal information stays confidential.
Though unrelated to the DUI crash, these frameworks reflect a broader government trend toward openness, aligning with the Global Privacy Control standard and modern digital ethics.
Rehabilitation and Consequences
If convicted, Jason Broce could face license suspension, probation, community service, and mandatory counseling. Judges in Georgia often order treatment programs for offenders with high blood alcohol levels to reduce repeat violations.
His child endangerment counts may increase penalties, while his wife’s role at Georgia DFCS underscores the emotional toll such cases can take on families of public officials.
National Context and Broader Safety Concerns
Across the U.S., drunk-driving cases involving parents and minors are drawing attention. Safety agencies compare trends in Georgia with incidents in Category 5 Hurricane response zones and Weather Impact Forecast emergencies, showing how distracted or impaired driving compounds risk during disasters.
From Freddie Freeman’s advocacy in Atlanta charities to events like the World Series and World Cup ticket draw, community leaders urge responsible celebration to prevent tragedies similar to this Georgia DUI crash.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, represents clients across Georgia, handling DUI crash, child endangerment, and personal-injury claims.We proudly represent injury victims throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Warner Robins, and Macon. The firm works closely with investigators and the Georgia State Patrol to hold negligent drivers accountable.Contact us today for a free consultation
