ATLANTA, GA – A high-speed police pursuit ended tragically when an unknowing motorist driving near the chase was killed. The event unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia on April 5. The chase was initiated by state troopers at the request of the Atlanta Police Department (APD) around 2:57 pm on the same day. The vehicle involved in the chase, a Ram 1500 pickup truck, had reportedly been involved in another APD-led pursuit days prior.
The pickup truck suspect declined to stop when APD officers signaled for a traffic stop at an intersection. This action was what first initiated the chase.
The pursuit led to the Interstate 285, where the suspect continued recklessly driving before finally taking an exit leading to State Route 166, and heading west. A collision ensued when the suspect ignored a red light and hit a north-heading Dodge Challenger at the intersection of State Route 166 and Barge Road.
The police statement confirmed that the Dodge Challenger was pushed off the roadway as a result of the impact, hitting a utility pole and becoming disabled. The driver of the Dodge Challenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
Additional details about the identities of the victim and the suspect have yet to be disclosed. As the investigation proceeds, charges against the suspect are pending.