Ga. infant killed in 10-vehicle crash after I-20 pursuit

ATLANTA, Ga. — An infant and the driver of a car pursued by a Georgia State Patrol trooper died after a 10-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 near Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Public Safety said.

The crash followed a pursuit that began after the trooper saw an Audi sedan traveling about 110 mph in a 60-mph zone, without headlights and weaving through traffic, according to the department.

Kalayia Tolbert, 7 months old, died after being taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with two other infants who were in a vehicle struck in the crash.

The man was found dead on the west side of his home after a large tree collapsed during the severe weather.

Cameron Gabriel Kemp, 33, of Covington, the driver of the Audi, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he also died, the department said.

“There is an innocent child that has lost their lives out here for something that could have been avoided,” said Kallie T, owner of She Greedy fruit stand. “I don’t think it was worth it. And they need to come up with better precautions for this not to happen. Maybe start a safety lane dedicated to only (law enforcement).”

The incident began at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, the department said. After the trooper activated emergency equipment, the driver briefly pulled onto the shoulder, then accelerated away, prompting a pursuit.

The driver continued east on I-20, exited at Candler Road and returned to the interstate, according to the department. He later exited at Wesley Chapel Road, where he lost control, struck a guardrail and collided with multiple vehicles.

The cause of death was revealed for two Ole Miss students in court proceedings.

Investigators determined Kemp had a suspended driver’s license and two active arrest warrants, one for a probation violation and another for failing to appear in court, the department said. He previously served time in the Georgia Department of Corrections for aggravated battery.

People in the area call the situation a tragedy. Some say Georgia State Patrol needs to reconsider its high-speed pursuit guideline to minimize the risk chases pose to innocent bystanders.