Woman killed after fleeing driver crashes into gas station near downtown Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. — A woman was killed and three others were seriously injured Monday afternoon after a driver fleeing from a Georgia State Patrol traffic stop crashed into a vehicle at a gas station in Fulton County, authorities said.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, the incident began around 2:40 p.m. on May 25 when a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop a Hyundai Elantra traveling west on Interstate 20 for speeding. Authorities said the vehicle was clocked at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Investigators said the driver, identified as 26-year-old Fre’shun Tyai White of Marietta, initially slowed down before suddenly accelerating and crossing all lanes of Interstate 20 westbound. State troopers said White exited onto the Boulevard ramp before abruptly merging back onto the interstate, nearly causing a crash, according to investigators.

State patrol officials said the first trooper was unable to safely continue following the vehicle and exited at Boulevard.

A nearby second trooper later observed the Hyundai driving recklessly and attempted to catch up to it. Before the trooper could reach the vehicle, investigators said White exited the interstate at a high rate of speed near downtown Atlanta.

Authorities believe White lost control of the vehicle, crossed through an intersection and crashed into a parked vehicle at a gas station on Hill Street.

The impact killed 51-year-old Chatanna Ohiyesha Patterson, who was standing beside the parked vehicle at the time of the crash, officials said.

White, a passenger in the Hyundai and the driver of the parked vehicle all suffered serious injuries and were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.

White has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle and other related charges, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

“The loss of life in a traffic crash is always heartbreaking, and today’s tragic incident in Fulton County has left a family, friends, and an entire community mourning an unimaginable loss,” the agency said in a statement.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.