By Joe Johnson
An Athens man was arrested December 12 on charges he launched a car into traffic with his girlfriend inside.
According to police, Deven Rutledge and Brittany Phillips were arguing all morning concerning her infidelity.
They were in a car on Johnson Drive at about 9:45 a.m. when Rutledge got out and sent the car, its transmission in drive and with Phillips still inside, down the hill towards Lexington Road.
A motorist slammed on their brakes to avoid the driverless Infinity sedan, which continued across the road and struck the gas pumps at a BP gas station.
Philllps had jumped from the car before it reached the busy intersection, suffering minor injuries.
Officers found Rutledge trying to hide behind Johnson Drive Baptist Church, where they arrested him on charges of aggravated assault and reckless conduct.
Police said they learned that the pair had been arguing about Phillips having affairs outside of the relationship, and that earlier that morning she had thrown his clothes into a dumpster.
Rutledge, a 26-year-old resident of North Finley Street, is being detained at the county jail pending a bail hearing scheduled for January 15.
Anyone who is in an abusive relationship can seek advice and support services by calling Project Safe's 24-hour hotline at (706) 543-3331, or by visiting http://www.project-safe.org
100% Dumbass.