Police Identify Suspect in Weekend Chase

BUCKHEAD, GA -- The GBI has identified the man they say led police on a vehicle chase through Buckhead after he was seen trying to commit arson in Cobb County.

Thomas Edward Cauthorn IV, 35, allegedly tried to set propane tanks on fire near the intersection of Dallas Highway and Barrett Parkway just before 2 p.m. Friday, according to WSB-TV.

Cobb County police said Friday that a park ranger initiated a traffic stop on Cauthorn at North Marietta Parkway and Hill Street, but he fled the scene.

Georgia state troopers picked up the pursuit of Cauthorn’s SUV on Interstate 75 southbound, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Troopers chased the SUV to Howell Mill Road, Collier Road, then finally ended the chase at the parking lot of Piedmont Hospital, the state patrol said Friday. During the chase, Cauthorn’s SUV hit two other vehicles.

After the crash, the suspect exited the SUV with his hands in his pockets and was shot in the arm after a taser failed to work, WSB-TV reports.

The suspect was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, according to the state patrol.