Atlanta, United States – A police pursuit ended in a violent fiery crash that split a vehicle in half and left one passenger dead after a suspected car break-in incident early Friday morning.

Around 2:50 a.m., Atlanta police responded to Milton Avenue SE after an off-duty officer reported suspects in a white sedan breaking into vehicles. Officers located the car shortly after and attempted to stop it, but the driver fled.

The pursuit continued until the sedan lost control and slammed into a pole around 3 a.m. in the 900 block of Boulevard SE, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The impact was severe, and the vehicle was torn apart before catching fire.

The crash sparked a blaze that engulfed the wreckage and briefly threatened a nearby home before Atlanta Fire Rescue crews extinguished the flames.

Police said the driver, Vincent Steele, was thrown from the vehicle due to the force of the impact. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and remains in serious but stable condition.

Officers rescued a passenger from the burning wreckage, but he later died at the hospital from his injuries.

Authorities confirmed Steele was previously listed as an Atlanta Police Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive and is also a suspect in a 2024 homicide on Ira Street SW. He now faces multiple pending charges.

The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal crash.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download