Pickup truck driver crashes into police 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 several charges, including fleeing and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Lilburn police said the pursuit began around 11 a.m. Sunday afternoon, when they attempted to stop the driver of a white Dodge Ram.

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

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

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

While talking to police, one of the victims saw the Dodge Ram drive past the station, police said. Police immediately attempted to stop the truck, but the driver refused to stop. Dashcam footage of the incident shows the truck hitting a police car.

“The officer was behind the vehicle, another officer tried to move alongside to slow him 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 on Lawrenceville Highway.

Gwinnett police eventually took over the chase as it entered Norcross, cops said.

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

“The driver had abandoned the vehicle, so they just started looking for him, which they located about a mile from where he had left the vehicle,” Arnold said.

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

Torres-Mandujano now faces several charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer for ramming a patrol car during the chase.

Jail records indicate he is behind bars in Gwinnett County.

“The car was pretty damaged, but luckily our officer is OK,” Arnold said. “He had some bruising 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’ll come there. Drive to a safe place. If you have to get off the road, get off the road.”