A deadly two-car crash occurred at the busy intersection of Peachtree Road NE and Piedmont Road NE in Buckhead, Atlanta on Monday night, following a police pursuit. According to Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the incident began around 8:45 p.m. when 23-year-old Santario Barnwell allegedly robbed a Chick-fil-A on Decatur Village Way, pepper-spraying multiple employees and stealing a cash drawer before fleeing the scene. Shortly after, an Atlanta police officer identified the suspect's vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. When the driver refused to comply, a brief chase ensued. The pursuit ended tragically when Barnwell's vehicle ran a red light at the Buckhead intersection and collided with another car. The driver of the struck vehicle, identified as 26-year-old Richard O. Wells Jr., suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Barnwell was transported to a local hospital with his condition and pending charges currently unknown. The busy intersection remained closed for several hours overnight as accident reconstruction specialists conducted their investigation. Georgia State Patrol has now taken the lead on the crash investigation.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at one of Buckhead's most prominent and heavily trafficked intersections, where Peachtree Road NE meets Piedmont Road NE. This crucial junction serves as a major arterial connection in Atlanta's upscale Buckhead district, linking several commercial areas, office complexes, and residential neighborhoods. Both Peachtree and Piedmont are multi-lane thoroughfares that carry substantial traffic volumes throughout the day, with particularly heavy congestion during peak commuting hours. The intersection features standard traffic signal controls with dedicated turn lanes and pedestrian crosswalks. Located within walking distance of Buckhead's premier shopping and dining establishments, the area experiences significant vehicular and pedestrian activity. The proximity to GA-400 and I-85 makes this intersection a critical transit point for both local and through traffic moving between Atlanta's northern suburbs and downtown districts.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent or criminal behavior may have various legal avenues for seeking compensation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning compensation can be sought as long as the injured party is less than 50% responsible for the incident. In cases involving police pursuits, multiple parties may potentially bear liability, including the fleeing suspect and potentially government entities under certain circumstances. Georgia's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims and four years for property damage claims. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Those affected by such incidents should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney familiar with Georgia traffic laws and pursuit policies to understand their specific rights. An experienced Georgia wrongful death lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Atlanta Police Department: (404) 614-6544
• Georgia State Patrol - Atlanta Post: (404) 624-6077
• Grady Memorial Hospital Trauma Center: (404) 616-1000

Traffic Safety Resources

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• Atlanta Regional Commission Transportation Planning: (404) 463-3100
• Georgia Department of Transportation: (404) 631-1990

Support Services

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: (800) 547-0060
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Georgia: (770) 615-3737
• Atlanta Victim Assistance: (404) 588-4740

Legal References

• Georgia Department of Driver Services: dds.georgia.gov
• Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): www.legis.ga.gov
• Georgia Law Enforcement and the Law: gbi.georgia.gov/legal-resources