Atlanta police open investigation into viral scooter chase in downtown Atlanta

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Police Department said an incident involving the pursuit of a man on a scooter in Midtown Atlanta on September 10 is under investigation.

According to APD, officers observed an unidentified man riding an electric scooter in and out of traffic in the area of ​​10th Street NW and Techwood Drive NW.

When officers approached the scooter driver, he took off on the scooter, driving between vehicles, according to APD.

Officers chased him to Spring Street NW and Peachtree Place NW where he abandoned the scooter and ended up at a nearby Publix.

Additional officers responded to the scene and eventually located the man in a nearby parking lot. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the city jail. He faces multiple charges, according to APD.

A video of the chase, which clearly shows an Atlanta police cruiser driving on the sidewalk along Spring Street, was posted to ATLScoop’s Instagram page and quickly received thousands of views, likes and comments.

Many people criticized the APD for driving on the sidewalk, saying the officer who was driving on the sidewalk should also be arrested for endangering pedestrians.

Hours after the video was posted, the Atlanta Police Department responded by saying it was aware of the video and was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They also said in a press release sent to the media that their Professional Standards Office would investigate the incident.