Midday traffic near Southlake Mall turned chaotic Friday when, police say, a 16-year-old in a stolen car tried to outrun officers, slammed into multiple vehicles, and triggered a chain-reaction wreck in Morrow.
The brief pursuit unfolded around noon after officers first approached the vehicle while it was stuck in traffic at Southlake Parkway and Jonesboro Road, according to police. Instead of pulling over, the teen driver took off, ramming at least two cars, then barreling through a red light at Jonesboro Road and Mt. Zion Road. A pursuing police cruiser then hit a third vehicle. Several drivers were taken to nearby hospitals, and authorities later described their injuries as not life-threatening.
How the Chase Unfolded
According to Atlanta News First, the car had been reported stolen in Douglasville before it showed up in heavy traffic near Southlake Parkway and Jonesboro Road. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly rammed two vehicles ahead and sped away.
Morrow police said officers attempted a PIT maneuver to stop the car. The teen briefly regained control and continued along Jonesboro Road before the pursuit came to a crashing end. Officers took the 16-year-old into custody at the scene. Authorities have not released the juvenile’s name or listed any formal charges yet.
State Police Handling Crash Probe
Local officials have listed the Georgia State Patrol as the lead agency in the crash investigation, a common move when multi-vehicle wrecks need detailed reconstruction work. The agency’s public site explains that its Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team and field posts across Georgia are frequently called in to sort out complex crash scenes, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Where It Happened and Local Impact
The chase cut through one of Morrow’s busiest commercial corridors, near Southlake Mall, snarling an already packed midday commute. Multiple emergency units descended on the intersection cluster around Jonesboro Road and Mt. Zion Road, and traffic in the area slowed to a crawl as first responders worked the scene.
Morrow’s police department lists contact, tip, and records information for residents and drivers who may have witnessed the pursuit or recorded it on dashcams, according to the Morrow Police Department. Officials are encouraging anyone with video or information to share it with investigators.
What Happens Next
Because the driver is 16, the case will initially move through Georgia’s juvenile justice system while investigators and prosecutors sort out potential charges and legal next steps. The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice oversees custody and services for detained or committed youths, and the matter will proceed through local juvenile courts as state troopers finalize their reconstruction and reports, according to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
