Carjacking chaos in Powder Springs: 2 teens arrested, 1 person on the run

POWDER SPRINGS, Ga - An armed teenager and another person are in custody as officers search for a third person who is on the run after bailing out from a vehicle at the end of a high-speed chase on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, juveniles being involved in very serious violent crimes is nothing new to the metro Atlanta area," said Powder Springs Police Capt. Anthony Stallings.

The area of Richard D. Sailors Parkway and New Macland Road was closed down after one of the officers giving chase got into a car crash.

This started when officers were alerted to a vehicle reported having been carjacked in Clayton County around 3 p.m. after it passed a Flock camera, according to the Powder Springs Police Department.

"Carjackings are very serious and we pursue them because we’re just not sure if the victim is still with the vehicle," Stallings said.

Officers chased the vehicle at least another two miles down New Macland Road to near McEachern High School.

The driver eventually pulled in behind a home. The three suspects ditched the vehicle, and ran.

Traffic along Richard D. Sailors Parkway and New Macland Road came to a standstill after a carjacking and chase in Powder Springs on Dec. 26, 2023. (Powder Springs Police Department)

It wasn't long before K-9 Officer Bane immediately tracked down a 16-year-old boy, allowing officers to take him into custody. Police say he was armed with a firearm. The teen is being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, obstruction, and various traffic charges. 

The two others were seen running into the woods, eastbound towards Old Lost Mountain Road.

(Credit: Powder Springs Police Department)

Law enforcement officers flooded the area in search of those individuals.

"Another point of interest, we know from the juvenile that was captured that they are from out of Cobb County, they are not close by at all, so, they are probably not going to know where they are at, so they are just going to be on foot in the area," said Powder Springs Capt. Anthony Stallings.

Hours later, a neighbor called 911 about a suspicious person in their yard.

That's when the second person was taken into custody around 6 p.m. and charged with misdemeanor obstruction, with more charges possible. Cobb County authorities have identified him as 17-year-old Destyn Wilson.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the third individual remains on the run. Their description, name, and age have not been released.

Powder Springs police say the officer and the six occupants of the other two vehicles involved in the crash were uninjured or were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.