Man wrecks stolen Camaro in police chase before hiding in homeless camp, GA cops say

A slumbering Atlanta homeless camp erupted in chaos when a suspect running from police tried hiding in one of the tents.

Not only was the tent occupied, but the Atlanta Police Department said an aerial unit was tracking the suspect’s every move from above via thermal imaging.

He was trapped when officers, a police canine and helicopter converged on the camp and surrounded the tent.

It happened Saturday, April 23, when Georgia state troopers began chasing a stolen Chevrolet Camaro on Interstate 20, according to a news release from Atlanta police.

That car chase became one on foot when one of the convertible’s tires came off, sending sparks flying across an intersection.

“The vehicle eventually wrecked, and the two occupants fled on foot with state troopers in pursuit,” police said.

“The suspect driver continued to flee until he stumbled upon a homeless encampment and cleverly decided to enter an occupied tent and take up temporary residence.”

Thermal tracking pinpointed exactly which tent he went into. Video shows pursing officers were closing in with weapons drawn when the suspect emerged from the tent with hands in the air.

The tent’s owner also came out with hands raised — and his innocence was quickly established due to a lack of shoes.

Identities of the two suspects from the car crash were not released. Police did not also specify how the other suspect was apprehended.

“The vehicle was found to be stolen from Dekalb County,” police said. “Over a pound of marijuana and a firearm were recovered.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2022 at 1:37 PM with the headline "Man wrecks stolen Camaro in police chase before hiding in homeless camp, GA cops say."