A tragic incident in April 2025 reignited concerns when a high-speed chase led to the death of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke in Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood. The pursuit began after troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding and reckless driving. The fleeing driver, Faduma Mohamed, collided with Schoenke’s vehicle, resulting in his death. Mohamed now faces multiple charges, including murder and vehicular homicide
Statistics Highlight the Issue
An investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed that between 2019 and 2023, GSP troopers were involved in over 6,700 pursuits, leading to more than 3,400 crashes, approximately 1,900 injuries, and 63 deaths. Notably, many of those harmed were bystanders or passengers, not the fleeing drivers. The data indicates that Georgia has one of the highest death rates from police pursuits in the United States. ​
Policy Under Scrutiny
Critics argue that GSP’s pursuit policy is among the least restrictive in the nation, granting troopers broad discretion to initiate and continue chases without supervisory approval, regardless of the offense’s severity. This approach contrasts with policies in other states that limit pursuits to violent felonies and require oversight. ​
The use of the Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) by GSP has also come under fire. Between 2019 and 2023, troopers employed PIT maneuvers in over 2,000 chases, sometimes at speeds exceeding 100 mph, contributing to the state’s high fatality rate in police pursuits.
Calls for Reform
In response to these concerns, advocates and lawmakers are urging reforms. Proposed changes include restricting pursuits to violent felony suspects, requiring supervisory approval before initiating chases, and banning high-speed pursuits in densely populated areas during peak times. ​
State Senator Gail Davenport introduced legislation to impose stricter limitations on police pursuits, but it faced resistance from law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Atlanta City Council member Liliana Bakhtiari announced plans for a city resolution to press the state for reforms. ​
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over police pursuits in Georgia underscores the need to balance effective law enforcement with public safety. As discussions continue, the focus remains on implementing policies that protect both officers and the communities they serve.​