Pickup truck driver crashes into patrol car during police chase in Gwinnett County

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A man is behind bars in Gwinnett County after police say he led them on a dangerous chase that started in Lilburn and ended in Norcross.

The suspect, Salvador Torres-Mandujano, 33, of Coffee County, faces multiple charges, including fleeing and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Lilburn police said the chase began around 11 a.m. Sunday afternoon when they attempted to pull over the driver of a white Dodge Ram.

People in another car called 911 to report the pickup following them into a Walmart parking lot on Lawrenceville Highway.

“They tried to change lanes, they tried to go into the parking lot,” said Veronica Arnold, a special constable with the Lilburn Police Department.

Police said the victims eventually drove to the Lilburn Police Department, where they met with officers to report the incident.

While speaking with police, one of the victims saw the Dodge Ram drive past the train station, police said. Officers immediately attempted to stop the truck, but the driver refused to stop. Dashcam footage of the incident shows the truck plowing into a police car.

“The officer was behind the vehicle, another officer was trying to get next to it to slow it down and that’s when he hit him from behind,” Arnold said.

Despite the efforts of Lilburn Police, including the use of PIT maneuvers and stop sticks, the truck continued to travel on Lawrenceville Highway.

Gwinnett police eventually took over the pursuit when they got to Norcross, troopers said.

The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but officers located him about a mile from where the truck was parked and arrested him.

“The driver had exited the vehicle, so they just started searching for the driver, who they located about a mile from where he exited the vehicle,” Arnold said.

Salvador Torres-Mandujano allegedly crashed into a police car and then continued driving during the chase.

Torres-Mandujano is now facing several charges, including aggravated assault against a police officer who rammed a patrol car during the chase.

Jail records show he is behind bars in Gwinnett County.

“The car was pretty broken down, but luckily our officer is OK,” Arnold said. “He did have some bruises and the airbags deployed, but overall he’s doing pretty well. He’s back at work today.”

Arnold said the people in the other car did the right thing by calling 911 and going to the police station.

“If you know you’re being followed, if you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s always a good idea to call 911,” she said. “We’re getting out of this. Drive to a safe place. If you have to get off the road, get off the road.”