Innocent driver’s death spurs calls for change in Ga. police chases
ATLANTA, Ga. — A law enforcement chase that led to a deadly crash in Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood has advocates demanding change.
A deadly Georgia State Patrol pursuit on Monday took the life of an uninvolved driver, 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke.
Devin Barrington-Ward, the director of communications for the National Police ability Project, called the crash an avoidable shame.
12 On Your Side Investigates: The state of 2 Ga. speed camera bills
We’re learning two different bills at the Georgia Capitol did not survive lawmakers' last day of work two weeks ago.
Federal data shows Georgia has one of the highest rates of law enforcement pursuit-led deaths. Advocates point the finger at law enforcement, while agencies point the finger at the people they’re chasing.
“Ultimately, the troopers are the ones that have the responsibility of protecting the public, not the people that they’re chasing,” said Barrington-Ward.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s office does not agree. Kemp spokesman Garrison Douglas sent the following statement:
“It is heartbreaking to see such a young life taken at the hands of a criminal seeking to evade justice. Those who break the law and act recklessly are to blame for the tragic and needless loss of these lives.”
Kemp meets with Republicans in Congress as he eyes Senate run
Brian Kemp has been rumored to be a possible Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, the Georgia Democratic incumbent.
Data from the Georgia Department of Transportation says that from 2019 to 2021, 195 people died in police pursuits, 43 of whom were not being chased.
Harrington-Ward questions why technology is not being used more.
“I just don’t understand why a high-speed pursuit is the way to effectively end whatever they may seem as a public safety violation by causing more danger to the public,” Harrington-Ward said.
Georgia State Patrol policy states troopers must use discretion and good judgment in each pursuit to ensure actions are reasonable.
GSP policy states that Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuvers, defined as using a patrol car to forcefully stop a fleeing car, should only be used to “safeguard life and preserve public safety.”
Body found in wooded area on McNutt Road in Augusta
A body was found in a wooded area on McNutt Road on Thursday morning, according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
In addition, PIT maneuvers should not be used until other methods, such as tire deflation or roadblocks, are considered.
“The majority of these situations with highway patrol are indicating that there’s a lack of responsibility and there’s a carelessness as it pertains to preserving the safety of the public,” Barrington-Ward said.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
