Woman, 3-year-old grandson killed after SUV flees cops, slams into their car

A woman and her 3-year-old grandson were killed Wednesday when a DeKalb County man crashed into their vehicle while allegedly fleeing from police.

The 27-year-old convicted felon also injured four of their family members, according to DeKalb County police.

Mr. Jeremiah Warthen faces numerous charges including two counts of felony vehicular homicide, felony hit-and-run and felony aggravated assault on a police officer in the wreck that killed Ms. Alicia Moxley, 57, and Jordan Haynes, police said.

The crash happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday when an officer was in the process of executing a traffic stop on a SUV along East Wesley Chapel Way, police spokeswoman Ms. Mekka Parish said.

As the officer began exiting his car, the driver of the SUV allegedly rammed the patrol unit and speed off.

The officer lost sight of the SUV and other officers assisted with the search for the suspect, Ms. Parish said. Minutes later, officers drove up to the crash scene on East Wesley Chapel Road, according to police.

“The SUV traveled a short distance away when it crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a car with six occupants,” Ms. Parish said. “Two of the passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.”

The other four family members in the red sedan— a 58-year-old man, the 17-year-old female driver, and two boys, 5 and 7 — were transported to a local hospital where they were listed in stable condition, police said.

Mr. Warthen allegedly attempted to flee the crash site on foot, but was arrested a short time later, Ms. Parish said.

A passenger in the SUV and a family member were also arrested at the scene of the wreck on an obstruction charge, according to media reports.

Mr. Warthen was also charged with criminal interference with government property, obstruction, reckless driving, aggressive driving, improper passing, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, operation of a vehicle while declared a habitual violator, seat belt violation and cocaine trafficking.

He is expected to have his first court appearance at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

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