Atlanta

Dramatic video shows accused car thief crashing into pole

ATLANTA — An armed car thief injured himself and an innocent woman while trying to escape from police Tuesday night, authorities said.

The crash happened in southwest Atlanta on Dill Avenue near Sylvan Road.

The driver of the other car, Corey Brumfield, said his passenger was hurt when the armed car thief crashed into his and then launched into a pole.

"It's crazy. I don't understand it. I'm lost right now. I'm really in shock," Brumfield said. "I was like, 'He's still alive?' because the car hit hard."

The video, which Channel 2's Matt Johnson obtained, shows officers arriving within 18 seconds of the crash with guns drawn before they found and arrested him.

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Brumfield said he was on his way home at around 5:30 p.m. when the crash damaged his car and sent his passenger to a hospital with back pain.

Atlanta police said officers tried to pull over the stolen vehicle about three miles away.

They said officers did not chase the suspect inside when he took off.

"I wish they would have just pulled over," he said.

Brumfield says he's frustrated with criminals putting people's lives at risk with dangerous speeds.

"It was a lot of people out here, so he could have slid and hit somebody walking down the street," said Charity Aaron.

Aaron saw the aftermath and said her grandmother is often in the exact area where the crash happened.

"What if she was walking and that car hit her? I (would be) just be devastated," she said.

Police said they found a gun inside the stolen car. The unidentified suspect faces multiple weapons, theft and drug charges along with more traffic charges.