A 19-year-old man has died after a Georgia State Patrol vehicle collided with a pickup truck while officers were responding to reports of illegal stunt driving in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Anthony Angeles was a passenger in the GMC pickup and died in hospital following the crash early on Monday, September 7. The driver, 20-year-old Emilio DeJesus, of Conyers, suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The collision happened at the junction of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road after troopers were called to the area around Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard, where groups of vehicles had reportedly been moving between locations while performing stunts.
Several vehicles left when officers arrived. Troopers began pursuing a white Chrysler 300 after it mounted a kerb while attempting to evade them.
During the response, a Crime Suppression Unit trooper and his police dog collided with the GMC, which officials said had been seen taking part in the stunt driving shortly before the crash.
Both vehicles caught fire. The trooper and the K9 escaped through a window, before the officer helped to pull people from the burning pickup.
Investigation into fatal Georgia State Patrol crash
The Georgia State Patrol said the incident showed the dangers posed by illegal stunt driving and the deliberate blocking of public roads.
“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,” the agency said in a statement. “In this case, a young man lost his life.”
The force said it would allow investigators to establish what happened and pledged to share further information when available.
The State Patrol’s Specialised Collision Reconstruction Team is examining the circumstances of the crash, while its Office of Professional Standards is reviewing whether agency policies were followed. The trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave during the inquiries.
Investigators have not released the speed of either vehicle or confirmed the traffic signal conditions when the collision occurred. No decision has been announced on whether charges will be brought against DeJesus.
Mountain Industrial Boulevard was closed while emergency crews worked at the scene and was cleared at about 7am on Monday.
