Georgia State Patrol Chase of Nissan Murano | Wild PIT, Rollover, and Ejection

On 1/19/2023, Trooper Cadet C. Nusall and I were patrolling the area of GA-17 and GA-204. As
we were patrolling, we overheard a Chatham County PD officer attempt to stop a car that fled from him
just south of our location. I communicated with Officer R. Santoro, who later stated to me that, he
attempted to perform traffic stop with a white Nissan Murano with the back window glass broken out,
bearing a Georgia license plate on Canebrake Road. The Nissan fled into the drive of a
private residence, drove through the back yard and around a house then re-entered back onto
Canebrake and continued to flee eastbound towards GA-25. Cadet Nusall and I located the Nissan
traveling northbound on GA-25 before entering onto GA-204 eastbound. We activated our emergency
blue lights and siren and caught up with the Nissan. Cadet Nusall advised the Troop F
Communications Center that we were attempting to stop the same vehicle that just fled from Officer
Santoro. Just as the Nissan fled from Officer Santoro, the Nissan disregarded our emergency blue
lights and siren and initiated a vehicle pursuit with us.
The Nissan continued to flee eastbound on GA-204. When the Nissan approached Sweetwater
Station Drive, the Nissan made a U-Turn and accelerated away, heading westbound on GA-204. As
we continued to pursue the Nissan, we approached a small group of motorists. The Nissan Murano,
driving recklessly, attempted to pass the group and almost struck a Dodge Charger attempting to yield
to the right. After passing the group of motorists, the Nissan continued to flee westbound on GA-204
heading towards I-95. Having patrolled this area for several years and from experience, this area of
GA-204 and I-95 typically has high foot traffic from the populated homeless camps as well as high
motoring traffic from I-95. Considering that we were quickly approaching the I-95 corridor creating an
immediate concern for the safety of innocent bystanders. Also considering that it was not feasible to
utilize stop sticks and that there were no other units available to execute the box in method to terminate
the chase, I instructed Cadet Nusall to utilize the P.I.T. Maneuver to terminate the pursuit. Cadet
Nusall, matched the Nissan’s speed, touched, and turned into the vehicle to perform the P.I.T.
Maneuver. The Nissan slipped off the push bumper, causing the driver to sway and lose control. The
Nissan then struck the center median concrete barrier with its front end at an angle. Causing the
Nissan to overturn several times. As the Nissan overturned, the driver, who was not wearing a seat
belt, was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the Nissan came to a final uncontrolled rest in the left
lane of GA-204 west. The Nissan Murano came to a final uncontrolled rest on its roof, facing northeast
in the left median of GA-204 west.
We advised the Troop F Communications Center of the crash and requested EMS and Fire
personnel to assist medically with the driver. I checked the driver, later identified as Ms. Aimee
Youmans Padgett. After the crash, I was able to check Ms. Youmans Padgett’s pulse and breathing at that time, Ms. Youmans Padgett did have a pulse and was breathing. Due to the serious nature of the
crash and having serious visible injuries, I decided not to move Ms. Youmans Padgett from her
position, to avoid the possibility of further injury to her in the event she sustained a spinal injury. EMS
and fire arrived on scene and began to medically treat Ms. Youmans Padgett. Ms. Youmans Padgett
was transported by ambulance to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The
Chatham County Coroner’s Office was notified. Troop F Command was notified and SFC R. Rozier
arrived on scene to work the crash. TFC Lyles with the Troop F SCRT unit arrived on scene and
initiated a more through crash investigation. We requested the Chatham County Forensics Unit Sgt S.
Cole to assist with photographing the crash scene. TFC Champion was able to notify the next of kin
about the incident.