Police have arrested a man days after he allegedly drove a stolen vehicle into a woman’s car, killing her on New Year’s Eve.
Ryan Solomon, 19, of Lilburn, faces several felonies, including murder, after driving a stolen Dodge Charger through a red light, hitting a Toyota Corolla and killing its driver, 55-year-old Travania Allen, Atlanta police public affairs director Carlos Campos said in a news release. A passenger in the stolen vehicle, an unnamed woman, is still on the run.
The incident happened on Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard after officers spotted the vehicle and performed a U-turn to get behind the car and determine if it had been stolen. The driver of the stolen vehicle then took off.
The deadly wreck took place at the intersection with Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway about 9 a.m. Both suspects ran away from the scene.
RELATED: Cops: No police chase prior to fatal wreck involving stolen car
Credit: Phil Skinner
Credit: Phil Skinner
On Monday, Solomon turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, first-degree vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a deadly vehicle accident, hit-and-run, theft by receiving, reckless driving and red light violation, jail records show. He waived his first court appearance Tuesday and was denied bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21.
While Atlanta police deny that a police chase prompted the deadly incident, the department announced the next day that it was initiating a no-chase policy, AJC.com previously reported.
MORE: Atlanta police chief halts all vehicle chases
“Our initial investigation has found no evidence, not received any witness statements, that the officer was involved in a chase of the Dodge Charger, or had activated the blue lights or siren on his patrol car to indicate he was attempting to pursue the vehicle,” Campos said in the statement. “The incident remains under investigation by APD’s Office of Professional Standards.”
The no-chase policy, which Chief Erika Shields said “will not be a popular decision,” was made following a deadly incident in December.
Two motorists — one on the way to pick up medicine for his disabled child — were killed when they were hit by a stolen car whose drivers were involved in a high-speed chase, police said. Mark Hampton, 43, and Jermaine Jackson, 44, were killed.
RELATED: Two caregivers killed in wreck when teens flee police
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Marguell Scott and Emmanuel Fambro, both 19, were initially both charged with murder among several charges in connection with the incident, but Fambro’s murder charge was later dropped, court records show.
Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office
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