A Chickamauga man charged in connection with a deadly crash on Spring Creek Road has been extradited back to Hamilton County to face charges.
James Bernard was taken into custody in Hamilton County on Friday, February 27, according to a court document obtained by WRCB-TV. He had previously been arrested by deputies with the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, February 11, near Atlanta.
Bernard is charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, driving under the influence, driving on a revoked, suspended or canceled license, and speeding. However, online court records show the District Attorney has dropped the charge related to driving on a revoked, suspended or canceled license. It is unclear whether the dismissal was due to a duplicate filing or if the charge has been voided entirely.
The charges stem from a September 25, 2025, crash in the 300 block of Spring Creek Road in Chattanooga that claimed the life of 60-year-old Paula Soens. Authorities said Soens was a passenger in the vehicle Bernard was driving.
According to police, the Dodge Caravan was traveling north at what officers described as a high rate of speed when, for unknown reasons, it veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Both Bernard and Soens had to be extricated from the vehicle by first responders.
Soens was pronounced dead at the scene. Bernard, 53 at the time of the crash, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
An online obituary states that Soens was born in Illinois and later moved to North Georgia, where she worked as a veterinary technician for 20 years before retiring.
Bernard remains in custody as the case moves forward in Hamilton County. Authorities have not released additional details.