College Park Police Sergeant Charged After Deadly August Chase

A College Park police sergeant has been arrested in connection with a high-speed chase that ended in tragedy this summer, leaving two people dead.

According to Clayton County arrest warrants, Sgt. Donnie Smith faces multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, hit and run resulting in death or serious injury, failure to report an accident, and violation of oath by a public officer. He was taken into custody on September 23.

The charges stem from an August 17 pursuit in which Smith, driving a Ford Explorer police SUV, allegedly chased a 2009 Land Rover on I-285 near Riverdale Road. Investigators say the chase was conducted in a “reckless manner, having no regard for the safety of the public,” with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Warrants state that during the pursuit, the Land Rover left the roadway, struck a tree, and split in half. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle and fatally injured. Their identities have not been released.

Authorities allege Smith not only failed to stop but also did not render aid or report the crash, despite witnessing the deadly collision. “Driving away from the accident of the vehicle he was pursuing shows evidence of his gross negligence,” the warrant reads.

The case raises serious questions about police pursuit policies and accountability in high-speed chases. Smith, who had sworn an oath to protect and serve, now faces charges that could result in significant prison time if convicted.