DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A 19-year-old man has died following a crash involving a Georgia State Patrol vehicle early Sunday morning.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, troopers were responding to reports of illegal stunt driving involving multiple vehicles near Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard when several vehicles left the area.
A pursuit began after the driver of a white Chrysler 300 drove over a curb while attempting to evade troopers, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
As the pursuit was underway, a Georgia State Patrol Crime Suppression Unit K9 trooper traveling through the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road collided with a GMC pickup truck that officials say troopers observed minutes earlier participating in the stunt driving activity.
Both vehicles caught fire, Georgia State Patrol officials said.
The trooper and his K9 escaped through a window, and the trooper immediately went to help the people inside the pickup, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Anthony Angeles, 19, was a passenger in the pickup and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Emilio DeJesus of Conyers, was also rushed to the hospital, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash and the circumstances leading up to it.
The agency’s Office of Professional Standards is also conducting an administrative review of the response, including the actions of the troopers involved and whether applicable policies and procedures were followed.
The trooper involved in the crash has been placed on administrative leave while the investigations are underway, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
“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,” the Georgia State Patrol said. “The loss of a young life is tragic, and we recognize the impact this has on his family, friends and everyone involved.”
The agency says it is committed to determining exactly what happened.
“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,” the Georgia State Patrol said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Stay with WSB Radio News for updates.