Atlanta air unit follows fleeing suspects in a Porsche SUV
By: On July 6, 2022, an Atlanta police officer assigned to the department’s High Intensity Traffic Team (HITT) was conducting speed enforcement on I-20 Westbound near Maynard Ter when he observed a Porsche Cayenne SUV speeding going approximately 100 mph in a 60 mph speed zone. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and continued to recklessly speed away, switching in and out of lanes reaching up to speeds of about 120 to 130 mph.
During this time, the department’s helicopter unit, Phoenix, was in the area flying above and was able to follow the vehicle.
The driver exited the highway at a high rate of speed onto the city street, crossing into oncoming traffic, nearly causing an accident with several vehicles.
Phoenix continued to follow the vehicle as the driver continued to drive recklessly, blowing past multiple stop signs. The officer driving his patrol vehicle discontinued his pursuit while Phoenix continued to follow the driver from the sky. During this time, the driver entered a parking garage in the area of Hill St. and Memorial Dr. Phoenix observed this and relayed this information to patrol units on the ground and gave them a description of the two suspects.
Officers spotted the suspects quickly walking away from the parking garage and was able to detain them both without incident. The suspects were identified as Michael Hendrix and Javonte Grayer, both 27-years-old. Upon further investigation, officers were able to recover a firearm, which was later found to be stolen out of Fulton County in Mr. Hendrix’s waistband. Additionally, officers were able to recover the car keys to the Porsche SUV in Mr. Grayer’s pocket.
During this time, Mr. Grayer admitted to officers that he chose to flee from them because he knew he was driving too fast, and he did not want to get a speeding ticket believing it would affect his license. Both suspects were subsequently arrested.
Mr. Grayer, the admitted driver, was charged with Felony-Fleeing and Eluding, Speeding, Stop Sign violations x5, Seatbelt violation, Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Maintain Lane and Open Container.
Mr. Hendrix was charged with Theft by Receiving stolen gun. Both were eventually transported to the Fulton County Jail.