Teen faces judge after alleged chase, hitting parked cars

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A teenage driver faced a judge Tuesday after a police chase that ended with several cars smashed.

It all started as a simple express lane violation Monday morning.

Authorities say a trooper tried pulling over a Mercury in the HOT lane, but the driver, Naja Smith, 19, didn't stop.

The trooper says Smith led him on a short two-minute chase down Interstate 85 that ended when Smith tried making a last-second turn into the park and ride, lost control, went through a fence and over a couple curbs, leaving a trail of oil across the lot. Her car then slammed into one car, causing a chain reaction down the row, troopers say.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Family's new home turns out to be former meth lab
• Baby on life support after alleged abuse; Young parents facing charges
• Search intensifies for former metro Atlanta student missing for weeks

Some people who parked at the Indian Trail Park-and-Ride lot had no idea their car was damaged until they returned after a day of work and could not find it.

Rene Teles was one of them. Channel 2's Tony Thomas showed Teles video of his car before it was towed away.

"It’s pretty bad, it's bad," he said.

State troopers said they found meth in Smith's car.

In court, Smith told the judge she does not have enough money for an attorney. She offered no explanation for what happened or why.

Smith remains in jail after the judge set her bond at just over $3,000.

Cox Media Group