Georgia Man Accused of Trying to Run Over Jogger Three Times After She Said “Good Morning”

MARIETTA, Ga. — A 21-year-old Georgia man is facing criminal charges after police say he repeatedly tried to run over a woman who simply greeted him while she was exercising at an apartment complex in Marietta.

Jesse Allen Davis was arrested in connection with the July 19, 2026 incident near the Sedgefield Apartments. According to authorities, the woman was exercising around 8:50 a.m. when she encountered Davis, a man she reportedly did not know, and told him “good morning.” Investigators allege Davis then got into a gray 2004 Nissan Sentra and drove toward her at a high rate of speed. (Oxygen)

Police say Davis attempted to strike the woman with the vehicle three separate times. During one attempt, another vehicle reportedly blocked his path. As the woman tried to escape toward her residence, Davis allegedly pursued her again, forcing her onto a sidewalk and eventually behind a dumpster, where she called 911. Authorities say Davis then repositioned his vehicle and allegedly attempted to hit her a third time. (Oxygen)

The encounter reportedly ended when Davis drove away from the apartment complex, struck another vehicle and continued driving before crashing into a utility pole. Police found him inside the disabled vehicle and took him into custody. Davis has been charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor hit-and-run. Recent reporting lists him as being held at the Cobb County Jail, although reports have differed on his bond status. (People.com)

Police have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged attack. While social-media posts have emphasized that Davis is white and the woman is Black, the reports reviewed by The Daily Play do not establish that investigators have classified the incident as racially motivated or charged Davis with a hate crime. (WKRC)

The unusual circumstances surrounding the case have attracted widespread attention online, particularly because investigators say Davis and the woman were strangers and the confrontation apparently began immediately after an ordinary morning greeting. The allegations remain accusations, and Davis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. (People.com)