Police ID Man Who Fled Traffic Stop Near Lavista Park

BROOKHAVEN, GA — Brookhaven police are seeking the public's help finding a suspect who they say ran away during a traffic stop Tuesday morning while driving a stolen car.

Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, there was heavy police presence near Lavista Park while officers searched for the suspect, who has since been identified as Randy Grier, 41. An officer noticed the car's tags were reported stolen, and as the officer tried to catch up to Grier on the road, Grier began driving recklessly, police said.

He then drove into a construction zone, "nearly striking a worker," Brookhaven Police Department spokesperson Lt. David Snively said in a news release. The officer continued to chase after Grier in his car into the Lavista Park neighborhood on Mayfair Drive.

Grier was not able to turn at the intersection of Kingsley Circle, which caused him to hit a mailbox, drive through a yard between two houses and hit a fence. He then fled the scene on foot, and now faces the following charges:

• Fleeing and attempting to elude police (felony)
• Obstruction of a peace officer
• Theft by receiving stolen tag
• Concealing the identity of a vehicle
• Hit and run
• Reckless driving
• Driving while license suspended
• Driving without insurance

Officers began searching the area using a police canine and a drone for more than an hour, police said. As a result of the canine track, officers figured out Grier escaped the area. He is described as a Black male with short hair, between 5'9" tall and weighing approximately 220-240 pounds. He was last seen wearing green shorts and a gray shirt.

A second occupant of Grier's car was arrested at the scene: Ismaeli Perez, a 45-year-old female of Jonesboro. She was charged with giving false name and date of birth to law enforcement and taken to DeKalb County Jail.

Residents in the area are asked to call BPD at 404-637-0600 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) if they see Grier. No weapons were seen during the encounter, and police said there is "no specific danger to the public" at this time.

The suspect fled from a stolen vehicle. No specific danger to the public is known at this time. Thank you for your assistance as we searched the area. Officers likely to remain nearby for several hours.
— Brookhaven Police (@BrookhavenGA_PD) August 3, 2021