Atlanta, GA, September 20, 2025
News Summary
A dramatic police chase in downtown Atlanta ended when a speeding Audi crashed into an Avis car rental building, narrowly missing bystanders. The driver fled on foot but was later apprehended. Both the driver and a trooper sustained injuries, and an investigation is ongoing. Witnesses described chaos at the scene, emphasizing the potential danger to nearby individuals.
Atlanta, GA – A high-speed police chase concluded dramatically early Friday morning when a car being pursued by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) crashed into an Avis car rental building in downtown Atlanta, nearly striking bystanders.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. when GSP attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2012 Audi sedan. The vehicle was allegedly speeding at 85 mph in a 55 mph zone on I-85 southbound. The driver refused to pull over, prompting GSP to pursue the car through the downtown area.
The driver took the Courtland Street exit and continued to drive recklessly, speeding through several intersections before losing control and colliding with the Avis building located at 143 Courtland Street. This resulted in a significant hole in the building’s facade.
Fortunately, at the time of the crash, two unhoused individuals were sleeping on the sidewalk next to the building and narrowly avoided being struck by the Audi. They reported that the car almost hit them, as well as their two friends, a pet dog, and a lizard.
After the vehicle crash, the driver fled the scene on foot. The driver was later arrested with the assistance of an off-duty trooper who was working nearby. Both the driver and a GSP trooper sustained injuries but are expected to recover.
Witnesses described the scene following the crash, noting chaos as shattered glass and twisted metal littered the area. An Avis employee stated that the rental location could remain closed for several days due to the extensive damage caused by the crash.
Currently, there is an ongoing investigation into the incident, and the identity of the driver has not yet been released. Charges against the driver are pending as authorities work to gather more information regarding the high-speed pursuit and subsequent crash.
Witness accounts emphasize the near miss for bystanders, highlighting that the pursuit and crash could have resulted in more severe consequences had the individuals at the scene not been missed.
Background Context
This incident adds to the increasing concern over reckless driving and police pursuits in urban areas. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices to avoid dangerous situations that endanger both the driver and innocent bystanders. The GSP has protocols in place for high-speed pursuits, but each incident raises questions about safety and accountability in such scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time did the crash occur?
- The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m.
- What vehicle was involved in the crash?
- The vehicle involved was a 2012 Audi sedan.
- What speed was the Audi allegedly driving?
- The Audi was allegedly driving at 85 mph in a 55 mph zone.
- What building did the Audi crash into?
- The Audi crashed into an Avis car rental building located at 143 Courtland Street.
- Were there any injuries reported?
- Both the driver and a GSP trooper sustained injuries during the incident but are expected to recover.
- Is there an ongoing investigation?
- Yes, there is an ongoing investigation, and charges against the driver are pending.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | Shortly after 3:30 a.m. |
| Vehicle Involved | 2012 Audi sedan |
| Speed | 85 mph in a 55 mph zone |
| Crash Location | Avis car rental building at 143 Courtland Street |
| Injuries | Driver and GSP trooper injured, both expected to recover |
| Current Status | Ongoing investigation, charges pending |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Car Slams into Avis Building During Police Chase
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- Atlanta News First: Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Union City
- Google Search: Car Chase Accidents
- 11 Alive: Car Slams into Downtown Atlanta Building
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High-Speed Chase
- WSB TV: Car Crashes into Avis Rental Car Office During GSP Chase
- Google News: Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
