Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 6

Atlanta Suspect Phelan Thorpe Steals Police Cruiser, Crashes Into Tanker After Oct. 3 Robbery

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 6

Atlanta Suspect Phelan Thorpe Steals Police Cruiser, Crashes Into Tanker After Oct. 3 Robbery

Q: How did a violent robbery suspect manage to steal a marked police cruiser right from under the officers' noses?

It is not yet publicly clear how Phelan Thorpe was able to steal the marked Atlanta police cruiser, and Atlanta police have said that point remains under investigation. What is known is that officers went to Thomasville Drive SE around 5:17 p.m. Monday after a report that a wanted man, possibly armed, was there. During that encounter, Thorpe allegedly got into a marked patrol vehicle that had been parked outside and drove off. He then led police into Clayton County, where he crashed the cruiser into a tanker truck on Interstate 675 and was arrested. Several outlets, citing arrest warrants, reported that Thorpe was seen walking away as officers approached and allegedly began yelling threats, prompting officers to call for backup. That suggests the scene may have been fluid and tense when he reached the vehicle. But police have not said whether the cruiser was left unlocked, running, or otherwise unsecured, and they have not explained how close officers were when he got in. That missing detail is central to the question. Until investigators or the department release more, any explanation beyond the basic facts would be speculation. What is confirmed is that no officers or bystanders were injured, Thorpe suffered minor injuries, and he is now facing robbery and battery charges from the Midtown attack, with additional charges tied to the stolen cruiser and crash.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 6

30-year-old Phelan Thorpe was arrested Monday after police say he drove off in a marked Atlanta cruiser and crashed into a tanker truck on Interstate 675 in Clayton County.
Officers had gone to Thomasville Drive SE around 5:15 p.m. on a report that a wanted man was there and possibly armed, but Thorpe allegedly got into the parked patrol vehicle during the investigation and fled.
Thorpe was already wanted in a Saturday robbery near the Midtown MARTA station, where investigators say he followed a woman, claimed he had a gun, punched her and took her phone and driver's license.
Thorpe suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital; police said no officers or civilians were hurt, and it remains unclear how he accessed the cruiser or what additional charges he may face.