Stunt driving led to fatal crash involving 19-year-old, Georgia trooper
19-year-old killed in crash involving Georgia trooper, K9
A 19-year-old man died after a Georgia State Patrol K9 unit collided with a pickup truck following reports of illegal stunt driving early Monday in Tucker.
DEKALB COUNTY. Ga. - A 19-year-old man died early Monday after a Georgia State Patrol vehicle collided with a pickup truck while responding to illegal stunt driving in metro Atlanta, according to officials.
What we know:
Troopers responded to the area of Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard early Monday to address reports of illegal stunt driving across multiple areas.
Several vehicles ran from the scene, prompting a pursuit when a white Chrysler 300 mounted a curb to evade officers.
During the response, a Crime Suppression Unit K9 trooper driving through Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road hit a GMC pickup truck that troopers had reportedly seen performing stunts minutes earlier.
Both vehicles caught fire, but the trooper and his K9 escaped through a window and pulled people from the burning pickup.
Anthony Angeles, 19, died at a hospital, while 20-year-old driver Emilio DeJesus of Conyers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Illegal stunt driving call ends in fatal metro Atlanta crash
A 19-year-old passenger died early Monday after a Georgia State Patrol vehicle collided with a pickup truck in Atlanta.
What they're saying:
The Georgia State Patrol sent the following statement regarding the crash:
"Illegal stunt driving and the deliberate blocking of public roads can put everyone in danger, including participants, other drivers, law enforcement officers and people who simply happen to be nearby. In this case, a young man lost his life.
We owe it to his family, our troopers and the public to understand exactly what happened. We will allow these investigations to establish the facts and will share additional information as we are able. The Georgia State Patrol is committed to the transparency and accountability the people of Georgia expect and deserve."
Saxon Jennings, who works at a nearby gas station, said drag-racers pull up and challenge him all too often.
"If they want to do that, they need to go to a racetrack, not out here, putting other people's lives in danger," Jennings said.
Jennings said it was heartbreaking to hear about the death of the young passenger and expressed sympathy for his family.
What's next:
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is analyzing the crash dynamics.
Simultaneously, the Office of Professional Standards is evaluating whether the officers followed agency policies.
The involved trooper remains on administrative leave during the ongoing inquiries.
What we don't know:
Investigators have not released the specific speed or traffic signal conditions at the time the patrol vehicle met the pickup truck.
Officials have also not announced whether criminal charges will be filed against DeJesus.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Georgia State Patrol, who provided official statements and investigative updates regarding the crash.