Not long ago, Officer Joseph Citta of the Sandy Springs Police Department was learning how to stand again. This week, he pulled his uniform back on and lined up for a 5K with his fellow officers, months after a motorcyclist struck him on GA-400 in September 2025. Citta suffered two broken legs and a concussion and has spent months in therapy as he works to return to full duty.
Citta describes his rehabilitation as slow but steady, with intensive physical therapy followed by regular outpatient visits about twice a week after roughly eight weeks of initial recovery, according to 11Alive. The Sandy Springs Police Department shared a Facebook video welcoming him back, and Citta said one of his early goals was to be able to run a 5K alongside his colleagues.
Crash on GA-400
The collision happened on GA-400 northbound just north of Hammond Drive when police say a motorcyclist lost control and was ejected. The motorcycle then struck Citta and a vehicle he was investigating. Both Citta and the rider were hospitalized, and crash reports identify the officer as Joseph Citta, according to Atlanta News First.
Charges and investigation
Authorities say the rider will face a series of charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, serious injury by motor vehicle and alleged Move-Over Law violations, as outlined by WRDW. Police say the investigation into the crash remains active.
Road to recovery
Citta has recounted that the motorcycle was traveling at a very high speed, and he and investigators have said it may have been over 100 mph. He also said the rider was allegedly under the influence, according to 11Alive. After months of therapy, simply putting on his uniform again and running alongside the police chief and fellow officers marked a major milestone in his recovery.
Next steps
Earlier reporting on the crash identified the rider as Riad Ahmed and said officers planned to charge him with multiple offenses. Authorities also later arrested a second person in connection with the incident, according to Atlanta News First. Officials have not released a timetable for court proceedings as the inquiry continues.
