The Georgia Department of Public Safety released a statement on May 25 regarding a fatal traffic crash in Fulton County that resulted in the death of one person and serious injuries to others.
According to preliminary information, at approximately 2:40 p.m., a Georgia State Trooper attempted to stop a Hyundai Elantra traveling westbound on Interstate 20 for speeding at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone. The driver, identified as Fre’shun Tyai White, age 26, of Marietta, initially slowed down but then accelerated across all lanes before exiting onto the Boulevard exit ramp. White then abruptly merged back onto Interstate 20 westbound, nearly causing an accident. The initial trooper was unable to safely follow and exited onto Boulevard.
A second trooper nearby observed White merging recklessly into traffic and attempted to catch up. Before the second trooper could reach him, White exited onto the Hill Street ramp at high speed. Investigators believe White lost control of his vehicle, crossed Hill Street, and entered a gas station parking lot where he struck a parked car. Chatanna Ohiyesha Patterson, age 51, who was standing beside the parked vehicle, suffered fatal injuries from the impact. White and two others—the passenger in his vehicle and the driver of the parked car—were seriously injured and transported to Grady Hospital.
Fre’shun Tyai White has been charged with Vehicular Homicide First Degree and Serious Injury by Vehicle, along with other related charges.
In its statement about the incident, the department said: “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… Tonight, a family is grieving the sudden loss of a loved one… While the investigation remains ongoing, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers created when drivers make reckless decisions and flee from law enforcement.”
