Police searching for hit-and-run driver who ran from car with gun, tried to enter federal building

ATLANTA, Ga. — Officers from several law enforcement agencies flooded downtown Atlanta in search of a suspect who crashed a car into a light pole in front of the Fulton County courthouse and ran with a gun in hand.

Police said they attempted to pull the driver over after he was spotted driving erratically and almost hit a pedestrian. When a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the gray Hyundai Elantra, the driver crashed into a a pole near Forsyth and Walton Streets.

Deputies said the driver ran from the vehicle with a visible handgun and tried to enter a federal building. He was last seen running toward Woodruff Park.

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Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was on Forsyth Street working on another story when the car crashed right in front of him.

Channel 2 Action News photographers at the scene saw officers running in the area, some carrying long guns and riot shields.

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Channel 2′s Larry Spruill was also at the scene where he saw a man taken into custody by Georgia State University Police. Police determined that man was not the suspect in question.

Investigators are viewing surveillance video from nearby buildings.

GSU police said that officers reviewed surveillance cameras and verified that the suspect didn’t enter any GSU buildings. All the buildings have been cleared by law enforcement, but a large presence of GSU officers is staying in the area out of an abundance of caution.

Police described the man as wearing a red shirt, tan shorts and black boots.

GSU Police, Homeland Security, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Fulton County Marshal’s Department are all assisting in the search. Anyone who sees the suspect is encouraged to call 911.

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Officers have not provided the suspect’s identity or a description.

We’ve got crews headed to the scene working to learn more, for Channel 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m.

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