Three killed in fiery crash involving South Fulton patrol car
UNION CITY, Ga. - Authorities confirm three people were killed in a fiery crash in Union City late Sunday night involving a South Fulton Police patrol car.
The wreck happened on Jonesboro Road/Ga 138 at Interstate 85 around 10 p.m.
According to police, a white van and a City of South Fulton Police cruiser were involved in the crash, and the impact sparked a fire. Three people inside the van were killed in the wreck, and three others were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The South Fulton Police officer involved in the wreck was also taken to the hospital. He's been identified as Officer Deontae Walker.
Investigators said Officer Walker was believed to have been in pursuit of a stolen Mercedes Benz at the time of the crash. The officer was traveling east on Jonesboro Road, approaching I-85 northbound when the white van turned left onto Jonesboro from I-85 north, entering into the path of the patrol car. The Georgia State Patrol said Walker hit the left side of the van, causing it to overturn onto its top, then catch fire.
Walker's patrol car also caught fire and was burned severely, according to the GSP.
The three people killed in the wreck were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released.
Investigators worked through the night at the scene, gathering evidence.
The Georgia State Patrol is handling the case.