Brookhaven police have identified a woman they believe sped off from a traffic stop earlier this month, led authorities on a 20-mile pursuit and nearly hit one officer.
Essence Barkley, 24, of Brookhaven, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, theft by receiving stolen motor vehicle and theft by receiving stolen property in connection with the Sept. 19 incident, Brookhaven police spokesman Sgt. David Snively said Monday in a statement.
She also faces a charge of fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer in Chamblee, according to the statement.
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The woman was stopped in the parking lot of Northeast Plaza on Buford Highway after police noticed a stolen license plate on the black Mercedes C-Class 63 she was driving, police said. A Chamblee officer had been following her before the Mercedes crossed into the Brookhaven city limits.
A Brookhaven police sergeant joined to follow the car into the parking lot about 10 a.m. Police body camera footage shows the woman stop her car next to a drive-thru Chase ATM.
Credit: Brookhaven Police Department
Credit: Brookhaven Police Department
Two officers approach her from both sides of the car. About a minute after the officers’ arrival, the video shows the woman reverse and then accelerate forward, speeding away from police.
“The movements of her vehicle nearly pinned the Brookhaven officer against the concrete surroundings of the ATM,” Brookhaven police said.
Credit: Brookhaven Police Department
Credit: Brookhaven Police Department
Officers from Brookhaven and Chamblee pursued the Mercedes south on I-85 and into Atlanta before the driver turned around.
“The pursuit was eventually discontinued when the risk to the public became too dangerous,” Snively said.
Several hours after police sent out the video, an officer on patrol found the Mercedes unoccupied and took it in as evidence.
Police believe Barkley may be in metro Atlanta or Greensboro, N.C.
In addition to the charges in Brookhaven and Chamblee, Barkley faces charges in Atlanta, where she is accused of speeding away from officers in May. Details about that incident have not been released.
Barkley is wanted in Atlanta on charges of theft by receiving stolen property, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, Snively said.
Anyone who knows her whereabouts is asked to contact police. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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