Atlanta, GA

Dramatic Atlanta police chase ends in high-speed crash, 3 children rescued unharmed

Published

6 months ago

January 2, 2024

Dramatic Atlanta police chase ends in high-speed crash, 3 children rescued unharmed

ATLANTA – Dramatic video released by Atlanta police shows a high-speed chase and crash involving a man with at least 37 previous arrests who ran from officers with three children in an SUV.

It started just after 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2023, at a gas station along Jonesboro Road SE near Interstate 285. Surveillance video shows how it all began.

“A male opened fire at a gas station while multiple people were outside,” said Officer Torez Griffie with the Atlanta Police Department.

Witnesses at the scene recounted that a man, driving a gray Jeep Cherokee, had fired shots towards a building before hastily fleeing the location. Fortunately, despite several people in the vicinity, no one was injured, and the shots only left damage to the property.

“I saw the vehicle matching the description.” Officer Griffie said. “He was driving erratic, crazy, all over the road.”

Officers were able to quickly issue a lookout bulletin for the SUV. Units were able to catch up with the SUV about a block away, in a fast-food drive-thru.

The driver, later identified as 39-year-old William Burris, ignored the traffic stop. After releasing a passenger from the vehicle, Burris sped off. She was frantic. Police say her children, ages 8, 7 and 4 were still in the vehicle. “She just started hollering and screaming,” Griffie said.

3 kids in car during high-speed chase of repeat offender

William Burris, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history totaling 37 previous arrest cycles, was taken into custody after high-speed police chase on Dec. 20, 2023. This video is provided by the Atlanta Police Department.

Griffie said the driver led him and other officers through Atlanta, into Forest Park and back into Atlanta.

“The driver was driving extremely recklessly, high rates of speed throughout city streets,” Griffie said.

The vehicle ended up in the area of 2000 Lakewood Ave. The suspect swerved in front of an officer, contacting the front driver-side of the patrol vehicle and effectively executing a PIT maneuver on himself. The SUV slammed through a utility pole, snapping it into pieces and ended up in a grassy area off the roadway.

“I tried to set up for a PIT maneuver. He maneuvered himself in front of me, trying to avoid the pit maneuver, and he spun out,” Griffie said.

Officers discovered the three young children inside the SUV. The children were promptly moved to a place of safety for medical evaluation due to complaints of pain.

“My heart dropped when I saw those children.” Griffie said. “I just wanted make sure that they were safe.”

Meanwhile, officers worked to extract Burris from the vehicle.

Atlanta police say 39-year-old William Burris fired shots at a gas station along Jonesboro Road SE near Interstate 285 in southeast Atlanta on Dec. 20, 2023. (Atlanta Police Department)

Officers, pointing Tasers at Burris, pulled him from the front of the SUV and out of the driver-side door. He was then placed in handcuffs and led away.

William Burris, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history totaling 37 previous arrest cycles, was taken into custody. A firearm was recovered from the passenger area of the suspect’s vehicle.

Burris now faces a litany of charges, including fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, three counts of kidnapping, three counts of first degree cruelty to children, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second-degree criminal damage to property, and failure to report striking a fixed object.

He initially was taken to the Grady Detention Center for treatment for injuries he received in the crash, but was later booked into the Fulton County Jail.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop

Published

6 mins ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A Black business owner in Atlanta said he feels betrayed and blindsided.

The Trump campaign held an event at Rocky’s Barbershop on Wednesday, the day before the highly anticipated presidential debate.

Owner Rocky Jones said that’s not what he signed up for and now he’s speaking out.

“I really take pride in my business,” Jones said.

Jones said he welcomes customers from all backgrounds and walks of life.

“Mind my business and serve and give haircuts back to the community and have good conversations; it’s never been about politics,” said Jones.

He said his business has never been the site of a political event until Wednesday when prominent Republicans packed inside the day before the presidential debate in Atlanta.

Former President Trump called in at one point during Wednesday’s event.

“I feel like I have been betrayed,” said Jones.

Days before the debate, Jones said someone he considered a friend reached out to him about being the host site for a small Black business roundtable.

Jones said there was never any mention this was a political event.

Jones added he never heard from a Trump campaign representative either.

Jones said the timing of the event didn’t raise any flags that the event would be political.

“I honestly didn’t think about it. It was just once you say Black small business give back to the community, it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m doing it,’” said Jones. “Just be aware that it is election season, and the timing seems a little suspect.”

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Jones is warning other business owners to have a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Even though I trusted that person, I didn’t do the research I should’ve done. Now, I’m letting everyone else know you need to be aware of these calls,” Jones said.

Atlanta News First did make contact with the Trump campaign. They acknowledged our request but were not able to get us a response by airtime.

Jones said he was compensated for the two hours he had to close his business for the event but adds he’s now willing to give the money back.

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Atlanta, GA

Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems

Published

7 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems

Billboard ranks Get Up Anthems

Billboard ranks the best Get Up anthems of Atlanta — songs that energize and inspire the city.

ATLANTA – Atlanta native and musician Killer Mike recently teamed up with Billboard to compile a list of the best “Get Up” anthems of Atlanta—the songs that energize and inspire the city. Here’s a look at the top five:

“Player’s Ball” by Outkast, T.I., and Rubber Band Man: Leading the list, this anthem is celebrated for its iconic beat and motivational lyrics.
“March Madness” by Future: This song comes in second, known for its high-energy delivery and popularity in the city.
“Cell Therapy” by Goodie Mob: Ranking third, this track is praised for its deep lyrical content and impact on Atlanta’s music scene.
“Knuck If You Buck” by Crime Mob: In fourth place, this song is a staple at Atlanta events, known for its hype and rowdy energy.
“No Mo Play in Georgia” by Pastor Troy: Closing the top five, Killer Mike highlights this anthem as an important piece for the city’s spirit and culture.

These selections showcase the diverse and influential music that has shaped Atlanta’s vibrant culture.

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Atlanta, GA

Suspect on the run after shooting woman during argument, Atlanta police say

Published

14 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Suspect on the run after shooting woman during argument, Atlanta police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Police are investigating an argument that turned violent overnight in northwest Atlanta.

Officers say two women were fighting on the 100 block of 26th Street NW when one shot at the other.

The victim was hit with fragments of gunfire and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. Officers say she is expected to make a full recovery.

Police are still searching for the suspect.

If you have any information, contact the Atlanta Police Department at 404-658-6666. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

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