5 teen suspects in custody after chase down Ga. 400, car thefts

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Five teens are in custody after a police chase involving two cars ended with a crash on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta Friday morning, authorities said.

The chase started in Cherokee County when the teens stole two cars, and ended in Forsyth County when one of the vehicles wrecked and the other was disabled by a Forsyth County deputy’s patrol car, police said.

Channel 2's Kristen Holloway learned that all five of the suspects were teenagers -- one as young as 13 years old.

Police said the group broke into multiple cars in western Forsyth County and then drove to Cherokee County.

"Cherokee County deputies found the stolen cars, began a pursuit, and brought them back to Forsyth County," Sheriff Ron Freeman said.

Freeman told Holloway two of the suspects were caught after a PIT maneuver. Three others ran from the scene to an Alpharetta apartment complex and were later arrested, police say.

TRENDING STORIES:

• This metro county will not prosecute any more marijuana cases -- for now
• Schedule mistake puts teen face-to-face with girl who assaulted her, mother says
• Man with rifle, bulletproof vest arrested at Walmart in Missouri, police say

Freeman said police have been seeing an influx of people coming to the north metro Atlanta area to commit crimes, but he was shocked to hear the ages of those involved.

"Two of the individuals are juveniles. Here is one of the really concerning parts: One is 13 years old. Thirteen. Three are adults. One has a gang affiliation," Freeman said.

Freeman said Forsyth and Cherokee County officials are putting more patrols on the street and won't tolerate any criminal activity.

Earlier Friday, NewsChopper 2 was over the police activity during Channel 2 Action News This Morning. The crash caused big backups for hours along Ga. 400 south leaving Forsyth County.

Cox Media Group