CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The driver of a stolen semitrailer led police on a short chase Thursday morning, before ditching the truck and fleeing on foot into a wooded area, authorities said.
Investigators said it all started when William Rhodes, 36, broad-sided a woman who was waiting for a red light at the intersection of Highway 138 and Jonesboro Road. Police identified the woman as Hansa Patel. Authorities said when Rhodes noticed a police cruiser behind him, he rammed Patel's vehicle again so she would move out of the way.
That's when investigators said the officer, who was en route to work, decided to pursue the tractor-trailer. It had been reported stolen out of DeKalb County on June 1.
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Police said Rhodes eventually abandoned the semitrailer at a BP gas station and fled into a nearby wooded area. He was captured about 20 minutes later.
Patel suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital.
Authorities said Rhodes has a prior criminal record of auto thefts.
WSBTV
