Teen charged in fatal crash during DeKalb police chase

Teen charged in stolen car chase, deadly crash

An 18-year-old man faces homicide charges after a high-speed chase in a stolen car ended in a crash that killed a woman and injured a teen Friday in DeKalb County.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - An 18-year-old man faces homicide charges after a high-speed chase in a stolen car ended in a crash that killed a woman and injured a teen Friday in DeKalb County.

What we know:

Joseph Odeh, 18, was driving a stolen vehicle when DeKalb County police began a pursuit. The chase ended near Covington Highway and Miller Road when Odeh hit a tree. The impact killed Antionette Catchings, 56, and left a 14-year-old with injuries. Police also found a teen inside the stolen car with Odeh.

What's next:

Odeh now faces charges of first-degree homicide by vehicle, serious injury by motor vehicle, fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, theft by receiving stolen property, reckless driving, no driver’s license, and failure to maintain lane, according to officers. The teen passenger faces charges of theft by receiving stolen property, serious injury by motor vehicle, and second-degree homicide by vehicle.

What they're saying:

The DeKalb County Police Department issued a statement saying it was working to address crime as county residents have asked officers to do.

"This is a tragic loss of life, and our hearts are with the victims and their families," said Chief Gregory Padrick. "But let me be clear, this incident is the result of a deliberate decision to flee from law enforcement. When individuals choose to run, they endanger innocent lives. Our officers were doing exactly what this community expects, taking action to stop crime and protect the public."

What we don't know:

It is not yet clear where the vehicle was originally stolen from or the current medical condition of the injured 14-year-old. Police have not released the name of the teen who was inside the car with Odeh.

The backstory:

Last spring, DeKalb County police updated their chase policy to be more aggressive. Officers are now allowed to start a pursuit if there is probable cause for any crime, including felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic offenses. This policy has drawn mixed reactions from residents who have lost loved ones in similar high-speed pursuits.

The other side:

Some neighbors near the crash site say no one should die over a stolen car. Evan Davis, who lost a friend in a 2019 chase in neighboring Fulton County, said he blames the police more than the suspects in some cases. "I mean, it's not that serious sometimes," Davis said. Arrius Mack, who frequents the area, added that once a suspect is getting away, police should let them go to avoid putting "innocent people's lives at risk." but does concede there's delicate balance law enforcement faces. "It's like, you know, catch-22. basically," pondered Davis.