Atlanta, Georgia, August 2, 2025
News Summary
An armed robbery occurred in Buckhead, resulting in a police chase that ended in a fatal car crash. The suspect, Santario Barnwell, attempted to flee after assaulting the victim and stealing cash. The chase resulted in a collision that claimed the life of 26-year-old Richard Wells Jr. The incident has raised concerns in the community about escalating crime and the use of pepper spray in robberies.
Atlanta
An armed robbery in Buckhead has led to a fatal car crash as the suspect attempted to flee from the police. The incident took place on July 26, 2025, around 11:30 p.m., at 1395 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia. Two assailants approached a victim, punched him, and sprayed him with pepper spray before stealing $30 from his wallet. Following the robbery, the Atlanta Police Department responded swiftly to the scene after receiving the alarm.
At approximately 9:33 p.m. on the same night, a separate series of events unfolded involving the identified suspect, Santario Barnwell, a 23-year-old man. Police had been alerted after Barnwell was noticed in connection to a robbery at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in DeKalb County on April 7, 2025, where employees were pepper-sprayed. Barnwell had taken a cash drawer during this robbery and fled the scene. His vehicle had been linked to multiple robberies across DeKalb County and Sandy Springs.
Police spotted Barnwell’s vehicle less than an hour after the robbery, initiating a pursuit. The chase escalated when Barnwell ran a red light at the intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont roads in Buckhead. The vehicle collided with another, resulting in the tragic death of the other driver, identified as 26-year-old Richard Wells Jr. from Highland Mills, New York. Emergency responders from the Georgia State Patrol quickly arrived at the crash site to provide assistance and investigate the situation. As a result of the collision, Piedmont Road was temporarily closed while crews worked to clear debris and gather evidence.
Barnwell was transported to a local hospital following the crash for treatment. Authorities indicate that he is likely to face charges across multiple jurisdictions related to the various robberies and the fatal incident. This series of events is drawing attention, particularly due to the unusual choice of pepper spray as a weapon during the robberies, which is not a common method in such crimes. Previous incidents involving Barnwell included a robbery at a McDonald’s where pepper spray was likewise used, raising concerns within the community regarding the safety and frequency of such aggressive robbery tactics.
The Atlanta Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are appealing to the public for any information regarding the armed robbery and the subsequent crash. Anyone with knowledge of the events or further details is strongly encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
Background Information
The Chick-fil-A robbery, which occurred earlier in April 2025, involved multiple employees being attacked with pepper spray, showcasing a disturbing trend in robbery techniques that are becoming increasingly violent. Barnwell’s behavior during these incidents has raised alarms about escalating crime rates within the area, prompting community leaders to urge residents to stay vigilant.
FAQ Section
What happened in Buckhead on July 26, 2025?
There was an armed robbery followed by a police chase that resulted in a fatal crash.
Who were the suspects in the robbery?
The main suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Santario Barnwell.
What injuries occurred during the robbery?
The victim of the robbery was punched and pepper-sprayed before being robbed of $30.
Who was the person killed in the car crash?
The deceased was identified as Richard Wells Jr., a 26-year-old from Highland Mills, New York.
How can I provide information regarding the robbery or crash?
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 26, 2025 |
| Location | 1395 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Suspect | Santario Barnwell, 23 years old |
| Victim | Richard Wells Jr., 26 years old |
| Robbery Method | Punching and pepper-spraying |
| Amount Stolen | $30 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Felon Apprehended After High-Speed Chase in Southwest Atlanta
Tragic Crash Claims Lives in Midtown Atlanta
Chick-fil-A Robbery Triggers Deadly Police Chase in Buckhead
Man Shot Near Midtown Atlanta Convenience Store
Gun Violence Surge in Southwest Atlanta: One Dead, Multiple Injured
Tragic Shootings Shake Northwest Atlanta Community
Atlanta Police Seek Public’s Help in Armed Robbery Case
Explore Atlanta’s Thrilling Weekend Events: January 9-12
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Man Hit with Pepper Spray During Robbery
- Wikipedia: Robbery
- Miami Herald: National News Article
- Google Search: Robbery Crime Statistics
- Fox 5 Atlanta: High Speed Chase Ends in Crash
- Google Scholar: Pepper Spray in Crime
- WSB TV: Suspect Crashes During Police Chase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Prevention
- AJC: Pursuit Ends in Deadly Crash
- Google News: Robbery Incidents Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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