DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A teen now faces charges in a fatal crash that happened while he was running from police, according to DeKalb County police officials.
The backstory:
Officials said 18-year-old Joseph Odeh is the person who led officers on a chase Thursday that ended with a 56-year-old woman dead and a 14-year-old boy with serious injuries. Odeh ran from officers who were trying to pull him over after realizing the car he was driving was reported stolen, officers said.
The chase began in the area of Snapfinger and Panola roads on Thursday afternoon. Odeh allegedly led officers on the chase until crashing on Covington Highway near Miller Road. Officers said that is where Odeh lost control of the car, hitting Antoinette Catchings and killing her. The teen boy was also injured and taken to the hospital. Odeh and a teenage passenger were also taken to the hospital but are expected to fully recover.
What's next:
Odeh now faces charges of first-degree homicide by vehicle, serious injury by motor vehicle, fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, theft by receiving stolen property, reckless driving, no driver’s license, and failure to maintain lane, according to officers. The teen passenger faces charges of theft by receiving stolen property, serious injury by motor vehicle, and second-degree homicide by vehicle.
What they're saying:
The DeKalb County Police Department issued a statement saying it was working to address crime as county residents have asked officers to do.
"This is a tragic loss of life, and our hearts are with the victims and their families," said Chief Gregory Padrick. "But let me be clear, this incident is the result of a deliberate decision to flee from law enforcement. When individuals choose to run, they endanger innocent lives. Our officers were doing exactly what this community expects, taking action to stop crime and protect the public."
What we don't know:
Police have not identified the injured teen or the passenger in the stolen vehicle.
Police do not identify teens charged with crimes unless they are charged as an adult.
The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department and Medical Examiner’s Office. It also includes previous FOX 5 reporting.