Clayton County, GA – An early-morning police pursuit in Clayton County ended in tragedy when a 44-year-old suspect was fatally struck by a passing car after fleeing from deputies on the interstate, according to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. Monday, when deputies attempted to stop a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that failed to pull over, initiating a high-speed chase that spanned multiple highways.
Deputies Pursue Stolen Pickup
Sheriff Levon Allen said the chase began when officers spotted the Silverado traveling erratically in Clayton County and tried to conduct a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Moshe Ben Y. Israel Williams, refused to comply, prompting deputies to engage in pursuit.
The chase continued along Interstate 75/85, reaching speeds that made the pursuit increasingly dangerous for other motorists. Deputies performed a PIT maneuver — a controlled technique used to stop fleeing vehicles — near the I-75/I-85 junction, just south of Highway 166.
Suspect Fatally Hit While Fleeing on Foot
After the PIT maneuver successfully stopped the truck, Williams exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot across the northbound lanes of the interstate. Tragically, as he tried to run, he was struck by a passing vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Investigators said the driver of the car that hit Williams remained on scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement. There are no indications of wrongdoing by the driver.
Stolen Truck and Suspended License
Following the fatal crash, investigators discovered that the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado had been reported stolen in September, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities also revealed that Williams’ driver’s license had been suspended 12 times, suggesting a long history of traffic-related offenses. Deputies conducting a search of the vehicle found a small quantity of marijuana inside the truck, as per Fox Atlanta.
“This individual made a series of extremely poor choices that led to a tragic outcome,” Sheriff Allen said in a brief statement. “Our deputies did everything they could to safely end the pursuit, but unfortunately, it ended in a loss of life.”
Traffic Disruption and Road Closures
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions across Interstate 75/85, shutting down the northbound lanes for several hours during the early morning commute.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the area remained closed until shortly after 6 a.m., when lanes were finally reopened to traffic following a detailed on-site investigation by law enforcement and traffic engineers.
Ongoing Investigation
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol are jointly investigating the pursuit and subsequent pedestrian fatality. Officials have not confirmed whether any additional charges will be filed related to the stolen vehicle or other potential offenses.
Preliminary reports indicate that weather and lighting conditions may have contributed to the driver’s inability to see Williams as he ran into the roadway. Toxicology tests are pending as part of the standard investigative process.
What’s your opinion on this tragic outcome? Should police continue high-speed pursuits on highways when suspects pose potential risks to themselves and others? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
