Police said Phelan Thorpe fled in a marked patrol vehicle before crashing on Interstate 675 and being taken into custody.
ATLANTA, GA — A man wanted in connection with a violent Midtown robbery stole an Atlanta police cruiser and led officers into Clayton County before crashing into a tanker truck on Interstate 675, authorities said.
Atlanta police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Phelan Thorpe. Officers encountered him Monday, Oct. 5, while investigating a report of a wanted person who was possibly armed in the 2000 block of Thomasville Drive SE. Police said Thorpe got into a marked patrol vehicle parked outside and drove away. He was taken into custody after the cruiser crashed on I-675 southbound near Forest Parkway.
The encounter followed an Oct. 3 robbery near the Midtown MARTA station that police say led investigators to Thorpe. In that case, a woman reported that a man followed her from the station before confronting her near 10th and West Peachtree streets. Police said the man claimed to have a gun and demanded her belongings. A struggle followed, and the woman was struck before her iPhone and driver’s license were taken.
Investigators used surveillance footage and information connected to the stolen phone as they worked to identify a suspect, according to reports citing police and arrest records. Officers later went to Thomasville Drive after receiving information that the wanted man was there and could be armed.
Arrest warrants obtained by WSB-TV said Thorpe threatened to shoot two officers during the encounter. Officers drew their weapons, according to the warrants, before Thorpe got into the patrol cruiser and fled. Authorities said the pursuit continued for about eight miles from Atlanta into Clayton County.
The stolen cruiser eventually crashed into a tanker truck on I-675. The Georgia State Patrol said the police vehicle also struck another commercial vehicle. Thorpe attempted to flee on foot after the crash but was quickly taken into custody, according to authorities. The wreck temporarily closed the interstate’s southbound lanes.
Police said Thorpe suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities reported no injuries to officers or other civilians. Officials have not reported that the tanker crash caused a fire or hazardous-material release.
Authorities have filed multiple charges against Thorpe stemming from the robbery, confrontation with officers, theft of the cruiser and pursuit. CBS Atlanta reported the charges include robbery, simple battery, second-degree criminal damage to property, second-degree hijacking of a motor vehicle, felony theft by taking, entering an automobile, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer and driving without a valid license. He also faces two counts each of simple assault and terroristic threats and acts.
Thorpe remained in custody Tuesday after waiving his first court appearance, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. A judge granted a $67,000 bond, the station reported, but jail records reviewed by the station showed he remained behind bars. The charges are allegations, and Thorpe has not been convicted of them.
The Atlanta Police Department has described information surrounding the investigation as preliminary and subject to change as investigators review the robbery, theft of the patrol vehicle, pursuit and interstate crash.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 7, 2026.