An Atlanta police helicopter captured video Wednesday of a man in a stolen BMW SUV leading authorities on a high-speed chase on surface streets through northwest Atlanta. Using reckless tactics such as driving into oncoming traffic and running stoplights, the suspect evaded police until he crashed into a telephone pole and was captured after a brief foot chase.
Vehencei Ross, 22, was later identified as the suspect and arrested on multiple charges, Atlanta police said in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
In a video released by police, the chase begins on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and proceeds toward I-285. Officers in the helicopter can be heard giving updates to those pursuing the dark-colored BMW.
“There’s heavy traffic, he’s going around the traffic,” the airborne officer said. “He’s blowing lights, driving reckless.”
The car chase ended when the BMW took a long left-hand curve at high speed and veered off the road after coming up behind a slower-moving sedan. After driving off the right shoulder, the man overcorrected and came back across the two-lane road before slamming into the telephone pole.
After the crash, he can be seen attempting to run down the road, with Georgia State Patrol troopers arriving just seconds later. The suspect set off into the woods, failed to climb a fence and ultimately surrendered.
“Great teamwork led to his apprehension and recovery of a stolen handgun,” Atlanta police said on Twitter, where the video was posted.
Ross’ charges include fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft by receiving stolen property, theft by receiving a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to online jail records.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
About the Author
