Atlanta Robbery Suspect Steals Police Cruiser, Crashes into Tanker Truck

An Atlanta man wanted for a violent robbery near a MARTA station was arrested Monday after he allegedly stole a police cruiser and crashed it into a tanker truck, authorities said.

Phelan Thorpe, 30, was apprehended in Clayton County following the incident on Interstate 675. He had been sought by Atlanta police in connection with a robbery that occurred Saturday afternoon near the Midtown MARTA station.

Officers were dispatched Monday to an address on Thomasville Drive SE after receiving a tip that Thorpe, who was believed to be armed, was at the location. While investigating, Thorpe allegedly gained access to a marked Atlanta Police Department patrol vehicle and drove away.

Thorpe reportedly drove the stolen cruiser into Clayton County before colliding with a tanker truck. He sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital. No officers or other civilians were reported injured.

Atlanta police had been searching for Thorpe since Saturday, when they responded to a report of a robbery near 10th Street and West Peachtree Street. According to police, a man followed a woman from the Midtown MARTA station, confronted her, and claimed to have a gun. A physical struggle ensued, during which the suspect allegedly punched the woman and took her purse and iPhone before fleeing. The woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Surveillance video released by the Atlanta Police Department showed a man following the woman near a crosswalk prior to the confrontation. Police had asked for public assistance in identifying the suspect.

Thorpe has been charged with robbery and simple battery in connection with the Saturday incident. It is unclear if any charges will be filed related to the alleged theft of the police cruiser or the subsequent crash. The investigation remains ongoing.