DeKalb County, Georgia, February 14, 2026
A 59-year-old man, Terry Loman, was tragically struck by a vehicle during a police pursuit in DeKalb County, Georgia. The pursuit, initiated due to an illegal window tint and obstructed license plate, led to a collision on Candler Road. The driver who struck Loman fled the scene, and authorities are currently searching for the suspect. The incident raises concerns about police pursuit protocols, especially after recent updates to DeKalb County’s policies aimed at balancing crime reduction with public safety.
DECATUR
A 59-year-old man, identified as Terry Loman of Decatur, was fatally struck Thursday evening in DeKalb County, Georgia, during a police pursuit that began over an illegal window tint and an obstructed license plate. Officials confirmed that Loman, who was walking home, was hit by a vehicle being pursued by DeKalb County police on Candler Road near Whites Mill Road. The driver accused of striking him remains at large.
Circumstances of the Pursuit
The incident commenced around 8:45 p.m. when a DeKalb County police officer observed a vehicle with an “illegal window tint and an obstructed license plate due to a heavily tinted tag cover”. An attempt was made to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the black Mercedes-Benz sedan initially pulled over but then “abruptly” fled the scene. The officer then began a pursuit, with the Mercedes-Benz proceeding south on Candler Road. During this pursuit, the sedan’s front bumper struck Mr. Loman, who was in the center turn lane. Following the collision, the driver continued to flee, and the officer lost sight of the vehicle, consequently stopping the pursuit.
The Georgia State Patrol is currently investigating the fatal crash and is engaged in a search for the suspect vehicle and driver. Body camera footage from the incident exists, and its release will be handled in accordance with Georgia law and departmental policy.
DeKalb County Police Pursuit Protocols
This tragic event occurs within the context of recent modifications to the DeKalb County Police Department’s pursuit protocols. In March 2025, the department updated its policy, expanding the criteria for initiating vehicle pursuits. The revised guidelines, outlined in a memo from then-Interim Police Chief Gregory Padrick, stipulated that a pursuit could be initiated if there was probable cause to believe a suspect had committed “any crime—whether felony, misdemeanor, or any traffic offense”. This represented a significant change from prior policies.
Despite the expanded criteria, the updated policy emphasizes that officers are still required to exercise “due regard for safety” and apply “sound discretion and prudent judgment” in each pursuit. It further notes that the decision to terminate a pursuit in the interest of safety may be the “most prudent and professional decision” in certain circumstances. Gregory Padrick was officially appointed Chief of Police for DeKalb County on December 10, 2025, after serving as interim chief since February of the same year.
The changes in policy, authorized by DeKalb County leaders in an effort to reduce crime, have been accompanied by discussions regarding the balance between law enforcement effectiveness and public safety. The DeKalb County Police Department has stated that it conducts a review of all pursuits to ensure compliance with departmental policy and applicable law, a process described as standard procedure. As the community grapples with the reverberations of this loss, the enduring principles of safety and accountability remain at the forefront of civic consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in DeKalb County on Thursday evening?
- A 59-year-old man, Terry Loman, was fatally struck by a vehicle during a police pursuit in DeKalb County, Georgia, on Thursday evening.
- What initiated the police pursuit?
- The police pursuit began when an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an illegal window tint and an obstructed license plate due to a heavily tinted tag cover.
- Who was the pedestrian killed in the incident?
- The deceased pedestrian was identified as 59-year-old Terry Loman of Decatur.
- What is the current status of the driver involved?
- The driver accused of striking Terry Loman remains at large, and the Georgia State Patrol is investigating and searching for the suspect.
- When were DeKalb County Police Department’s pursuit protocols updated?
- The DeKalb County Police Department updated its police pursuit protocols in March 2025.
- Who is the current Chief of Police for DeKalb County?
- Gregory Padrick was officially appointed Chief of Police for DeKalb County on December 10, 2025, after serving as interim chief.
- What are the key changes in the DeKalb County police pursuit policy?
- The expanded criteria allow a pursuit to be initiated if there is probable cause to believe a suspect has committed “any crime—whether felony, misdemeanor, or any traffic offense”. Officers are still required to exercise “due regard for safety” and “sound discretion and prudent judgment”.
Key Features of the DeKalb County Incident and Policy
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Thursday evening (February 13, 2026) | Local |
| Location | Candler Road near Whites Mill Road, DeKalb County, Georgia | Local |
| Victim | Terry Loman, 59-year-old male of Decatur | Local |
| Initiating Factor of Pursuit | Illegal window tint and obstructed license plate | Local |
| Current Status of Driver | At large; Georgia State Patrol investigating | Local |
| DeKalb County Police Pursuit Policy Update Date | March 2025 | State-level |
| Key Policy Change | Expanded criteria for initiating pursuits to include any crime (felony, misdemeanor, traffic offense) | State-level |
| Police Chief Appointment Date | December 10, 2025 | State-level |
| Appointed Police Chief | Gregory Padrick | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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