A high-speed police pursuit in Fulton County ended in a deadly crash at a gas station Monday afternoon, killing an innocent bystander and leaving three others seriously injured.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the incident began around 2:40 p.m. on Interstate 20 westbound when a trooper attempted to stop a Hyundai Elantra for speeding. Authorities said the vehicle was traveling approximately 90 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Investigators said the driver, later identified as 26-year-old Fre’shun Tyai White of Marietta, initially slowed down before suddenly accelerating and fleeing from the traffic stop. White allegedly crossed multiple lanes of traffic on I-20 West, exited at the Boulevard ramp, and then re-entered the interstate in a reckless manner, nearly causing multiple collisions.
Due to safety concerns, the initial trooper was unable to continue the pursuit on the interstate and instead exited onto Boulevard. A second trooper nearby observed the driver’s dangerous movements and attempted to catch up with the fleeing vehicle.
Before law enforcement could reach him, White exited again onto the Hill Street ramp at a high rate of speed. Investigators say he lost control of the Hyundai Elantra, crossed Hill Street, and crashed into a nearby gas station parking lot.
The vehicle struck a parked car inside the lot, where 51-year-old Chatanna Ohiyesha Patterson was standing beside it. Patterson was critically injured in the impact and later died from her injuries at the scene, according to authorities.
White, a passenger in his vehicle, and the driver of the parked car were also seriously injured in the crash. All three were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials have not released updates on their current conditions.
White has since been taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle, along with other related offenses.
In a statement, the Georgia State Patrol expressed condolences to those affected, saying the crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers of fleeing law enforcement at high speeds.
