19-year-old dies after crash with GSP trooper during stunt driver chase in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia State Patrol trooper is on administrative leave after a pursuit of an illegal stunt driving suspect ended in a deadly crash in DeKalb County, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. On Sunday night, GSP troopers responded to reports of illegal stunt driving near Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard, with multiple vehicles moving between locations throughout the night. As troopers arrived, several vehicles fled, and a pursuit began after a driver of a white Chrysler 300 drove over a curb to evade troopers, GSP said. A Crime Suppression Unit K9 trooper was chasing the Chrysler when it collided with a GMC pickup truck at the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road, causing both vehicles to catch fire. GSP said the trooper and his K-9 escaped through a window and went to help the people inside the pickup truck. The 20-year-old driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. However, the 19-year-old passenger, identified as Antony Angles, was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. GSP added that this was the same pickup truck the troopers saw participating in the stunt driving activity. Now, the GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team and the Office of Professional Standards are investigating what led up to the deadly crash and the actions of the troopers involved. "We know there will be questions about how this happened, and we share the responsibility of making sure those questions are answered," the Georgia Department of Public Safety wrote in a social media post. "In accordance with standard agency policy, the trooper involved in the crash has been placed on administrative leave while those reviews are underway." The state agency added that it owes it to the victims' family, their troopers and the public to understand exactly what happened in the deadly accident. "Illegal stunt driving and the deliberate blocking of public roads can put everyone in danger, including participants, other drivers, law enforcement officers and people who simply happen to be nearby. In this case, a young man lost his life. We owe it to his family, our troopers and the public to understand exactly what happened. We will allow these investigations to establish the facts and will share additional information as we are able. The Georgia State Patrol is committed to the transparency and accountability the people of Georgia expect and deserve."