ATLANTA, Ga. — What began as a routine traffic violation on a Monday evening spiraled into tragedy in one of Atlanta’s most vibrant neighborhoods, leaving a young life lost and a community asking: Was it preventable?
Nineteen-year-old Cooper Schoenke was killed just after 8 p.m. when a police chase ended in a violent collision at the intersection of Moreland and McLendon Avenues in Little Five Points. According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Schoenke was behind the wheel of a vehicle struck by a suspect fleeing law enforcement at high speed.
GSP reports that a trooper first attempted to pull over a vehicle driving “at a high rate of speed” and “making erratic lane changes” on I-20 East near Boulevard SE around 7:51 p.m. When the driver refused to stop, a pursuit ensued, leading troopers off the highway and onto the busy streets of East Atlanta.
The fleeing vehicle exited onto Moreland Avenue and continued north through multiple neighborhoods. At the intersection of Moreland and McLendon—just steps away from boutiques, bars, and bustling foot traffic—the suspect reportedly ran a red light, slamming into Schoenke’s car on the driver’s side.
He died at the scene. He was not involved in the chase.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was seriously injured and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. GSP says the investigation remains active.
A Community in Mourning, and Questioning
For many in Little Five Points and across metro Atlanta, the crash has renewed debate over the dangers of high-speed pursuits in densely populated areas.
Neighbors gathered at the scene the following morning, leaving flowers and messages for the victim. Some called for stricter limits on police chases when public safety is at risk.
“This is not the first time,” said one resident who lives just a block from the intersection. “And unless something changes, it won’t be the last.”
While details about Schoenke’s life are still emerging, social media posts from friends and family describe him as kind, curious, and full of potential. A recent high school graduate, he had reportedly moved to Atlanta to start a new chapter.
His life was cut short not by crime, but by its reckless aftermath.
This is a developing story. Stay with ColGA News for ongoing updates, in-depth coverage, and community responses in the days ahead.
