Man killed during police chase over license cover just blocks from home
Man killed in hit and run during police chase over license plate cover
A pedestrian was killed Thursday night after being struck by a fleeing vehicle during a police pursuit in DeKalb County, authorities said.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A man was killed while walking home Thursday night after he was hit by a car that officers were chasing over a tinted license plate cover, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.
Deadly DeKalb hit-and-run
What we know:
The Georgia State Patrol was contacted by the DeKalb County Police Department on Feb. 12 to investigate the fatal crash involving a black Mercedes-Benz sedan. According to investigators, DeKalb officers were pursuing the vehicle southbound on Candler Road when the driver entered the center turn lane and hit a pedestrian with the front of the car.
The driver reportedly continued south on Candler Road, and the pursuing officer eventually lost sight of the vehicle. The pedestrian, who was later identified as 59-year-old Terry Lowman of Decatur, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family identifies victim
What they're saying:
The family of the man killed identified him as Terry Loman. They said he was two blocks from home when he was killed, the same home he and his brothers grew up in.
"This was our safe haven, and he never made it home," Willie Loman, Terry's older brother, said.
Now, Loman's family is calling for justice. "They will get you. They will hunt you down like the dog you are and you will pay for my brother's death," Willie said.
Willie and his family remember Terry as a jokester who loved his family. The 59-year-old was the youngest of three boys and was father to three children of his own. "He could make anyone laugh," Willie said.
Police respond to hit-and-run during chase
The other side:
DeKalb County Police Department sent a statement that said the department will conduct a review of the chase, which is standard procedure. The full statement reads:
On February 12, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a DeKalb County Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Candler Road near Whites Mill Road after observing violations, specifically illegal window tint and an obstructed license plate due to a heavily tinted tag cover.
The driver initially pulled over. However, after both vehicles came to a stop, the driver abruptly fled the scene. The officer initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was reportedly involved in a collision that resulted in a pedestrian fatality. The vehicle fled the scene and the officer discontinued the pursuit shortly thereafter when the suspect vehicle was lost from sight.
The Georgia State Patrol is the lead agency investigating the fatal collision. All questions related to the crash investigation, including the circumstances of the impact, should be directed to GSP.
In reference to the pursuit, the DeKalb County Police Department conducts a review of all pursuits to ensure compliance with departmental policy and applicable law. That review process is standard procedure.
The suspect vehicle and driver remain under investigation. Due to the ongoing nature of both the criminal and administrative reviews, additional details cannot be released at this time.
Body-worn camera does exist. The release of any video will be handled in accordance with Georgia law and department policy.
Our thoughts are with the family of the pedestrian who lost their life in this tragic incident.
Search for hit-and-run driver
What's next:
State troopers assigned to the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team responded to assist with the investigation. Law enforcement agencies in the area are searching for the Mercedes.
The Georgia State Patrol identified this car as the one involved in a deadly hit and run that took place during a police chase. (GSP)
The Georgia Department of Safety said the car is a sedan with Texas license plate number BLK63. If you have any information, please contact SCRT-C at (706)624-1484.