Regional Industry & News

Friends remember teen killed in GSP crash, police respond when crowd forms

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Dozens gathered Thursday to remember the teen killed after a chase with Georgia State Patrol (GSP) ended in a fiery crash in Tucker.

Anthony Angeles, 19, was killed Monday after a state trooper crashed into a truck while chasing stunt driving suspects.

Shortly before the crash, troopers responded to reports of illegal stunt driving “involving multiple vehicles that had been moving between locations throughout the night” near Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard, GSP said.

A trooper pursuing a different car through the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road collided with a GMC pickup truck, which troopers saw minutes before “participating in the stunt driving activity,” according to GSP.

The pickup’s driver, 20-year-old Emilio DeJesus of Conyers, was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

“We were friends. We talked a lot. He hit me up when I needed it. He checked on me. I checked on him. Just vice versa. He was a great friend,” said Peyton Smith, a friend of Angeles.

Vigil attendees honored Angeles with the revving of cars and trucks.

“He loved to make people smile, loved to make them laugh, and never loved to see anybody upset. Great great person,” said Angeles’ friend, Sabree Vanhoy.

Angeles is described as a car enthusiast and often met up with friends at car meets where they bonded together and grew close.

“He meant a lot to our car community, a lot,” Vanhoy said. “We all loved him. Every time we had a meet or a takeover, we all showed out for him, and he showed out for us, and so we’re here tonight to show out for him.”

Friends reflected on memories with Angeles around candles at the Tucker intersection where the crash occurred.

At least a dozen DeKalb County officers were at the vigil, appearing to provide crowd control and give parking and obstruction warnings to those attending the vigil.

Friends say they were there to show support for Angeles.

“We’re being loud and we’re showing out for our friend. They want to go against us for it, that’s fine,” said Vanhoy.

“Illegal stunt driving and the deliberate blocking of public roads can put everyone in danger, including participants, other drivers, law enforcement officers and people who simply happen to be nearby. In this case, a young man lost his life,” GSP said. “We owe it to his family, our troopers and the public to understand exactly what happened. We will allow these investigations to establish the facts and will share additional information as we are able. The Georgia State Patrol is committed to the transparency and accountability the people of Georgia expect and deserve.”

The agency offered its condolences to Angeles’ family and friends.

“The loss of a young life is tragic, and we recognize the impact this has on his family, friends and everyone involved,” GSP said.

Friends recalled waking up to the painful news.

“I didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it. I had to sleep a couple hours. I woke up, and I was told it was true. I was told like you can’t go back. It’s happened, and it’s sad. It’s sad. It hurts to see because the police-they’re supposed to protect and serve us, but right now they weren’t protecting us. They were putting us at risk,” said Smith.

“I got the text message in the middle of the night he was gone, and it hurt. The next following day, I shed a few tears. It took a real big toll because he was so young. We didn’t think to lose him that soon,” Vanhoy said.

The trooper involved in the crash is on administrative leave, according to GSP.