Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Atlanta, GA
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.
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.
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
How do you feel about this extension?
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
Rec 0ReplyRead 4 replies
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
Atlanta, GA
Woman fatally stabbed on MARTA train near Oakland City Station; riders question transit safety as World Cup nears
A man accused of fatally stabbing a woman aboard a MARTA train is now in custody, as the violent attack raises new concerns about safety across Atlanta’s transit system.
According to police, 52-year-old Margaret Swan was riding a MARTA train near the Oakland City Station on May 30 when she was stabbed to death.
Investigators say officers quickly arrested the suspect, identified as John Elijah Matthews, at the station shortly after the attack.
Swan’s ex-husband, Jerry Swan, said he was devastated when his daughter called to tell him what happened.
“I was happy they caught him, but in my mind the thought was why did he do that to such a nice person,” he said.
Jerry Swan described Margaret as a devoted grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
“She was on her way to keep one of her grandbabies when it happened,” he said.
The deadly stabbing has also left some MARTA riders uneasy about safety on the transit system.
Nahsar Alexander, who says he rides MARTA every day, told CBS News Atlanta the attack is alarming.
“That was an innocent lady,” Alexander said. “If she didn’t do anything, what’s stopping someone from hurting me?”
MARTA officials say nearly 300 officers are assigned throughout the transit system to help keep riders safe. Additional officers were visible Monday at stations, including patrols on motorcycles.
The agency says security measures are also expected to increase ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta is expected to see a major influx of visitors.
MARTA says its current security resources include more than 12,000 cameras across rail stations, buses and railcars, along with a Real Time Crime Center monitored during operating hours. Officials also say undercover officers regularly patrol stations, buses and trains.
Ahead of the World Cup, MARTA plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center during matches and fan events, deploy its Mobile Command Vehicle at key locations and partner with outsidxe law enforcement agencies for additional support.
Officials say additional train patrols and crowd control teams will also be used throughout the system.
Some riders say the increased police presence is reassuring, but concerns remain.
“Yes, but even with more police officers crime is still going to happen,” Alexander said.
Matthews is facing a murder charge.
MARTA says all staff not directly involved in operations or policing will also serve as Transit Ambassadors during the World Cup to assist riders and monitor activity across the system.
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