Q&A on the News

Q: Channel 2 Action News reported counting more than 50 police cars chasing one handcuffed suspect in a stolen car in Gwinnett County. Of course, the suspect was a danger to other motorists, but are so many police cars needed to chase one car?

—Jackie Tucker, Gainesville

A: Though there were many officers involved in the Aug. 3 incident, not all of the officers were from the Gwinnett County Police Department, Cpl. Michele Pihera told Q&A on the News via email.

In addition, some officers were investigating the hit-and-runs, while others were investigating the stolen vehicles, she said. Still others were blocking off neighboring intersections, and some were trying to get set up for road spikes, Pihera added.

“It’s hard to gauge exactly how many officers were involved. Not all officers were actively pursuing the suspect,” Pihera wrote.

The hourlong chase spanned three cities and Gwinnett and DeKalb counties, the AJC previously reported. The driver, Joshua Scott Jones, 28, is accused of stealing four cars, including a Gwinnett County police cruiser, and committing at least six hit-and-runs, the AJC reported. He also was wanted in Forsyth County on misdemeanor probation violation charges.

Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).