A 15-year-old passenger involved in a police pursuit that ended in a vehicle crash has died, according to Atrium Health Hospital staff. The teenager was pronounced deceased on September 3, just after 7 p.m. The tragic outcome may raise questions about the use of police tactics in high-speed chases.
The Chase
On August 14, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies engaged in a high-speed chase with a stolen vehicle. The pursuit began around 1 a.m. when deputies spotted two teenagers entering a stolen car at the Exxon Gas Station at 584 Emery Highway. The vehicle sped off down Coliseum Drive toward downtown Macon, prompting deputies to activate their emergency lights and sirens.
During the chase, deputies say the suspect vehicle attempted to ram a deputy’s vehicle multiple times. Deputies then employed a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle.
After being hit with the PIT maneuver, the suspect vehicle lost control, hit a curb, and flipped over, colliding with a power pole, fire hydrant, and fence on the shoulder of the road.
Both the 16-year-old driver and the 15-year-old passenger were transported to Atrium Health Hospital. While the driver was in stable but critical condition, the passenger died Sept. 3.
Ongoing Investigation
Georgia State Patrol is currently investigating the crash, and the entire incident remains under scrutiny. The death of the 15-year-old passenger adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising concerns about the safety and appropriateness of using PIT maneuvers in police pursuits.
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