On April 14, 2025, Atlanta was shaken by the tragic loss of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke, who lost his life in a devastating car crash caused by a high-speed police pursuit in the Little Five Points neighborhood. The crash, which occurred when a vehicle being chased by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers ran a red light and collided with Cooper’s car, has left his family, friends, and the local community in deep grief. The suspect in the crash, 23-year-old Faduma Mohamed, was attempting to evade law enforcement at the time of the accident, and the event has sparked widespread discussions about police pursuit policies and public safety.
Cooper, a bright and promising young man, was a student at Colorado Mesa University, only weeks away from graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His future, filled with potential and dreams of working in Houston and exploring the world, was abruptly cut short. His death has left a profound impact on those who loved him, and his family, especially his mother, Kate Schoenke, is now left grappling with the senseless loss. As the investigation into the crash continues, the case has highlighted significant concerns about the risks posed by high-speed chases in urban environments.
Kate Schoenke, devastated by her son’s death, has emerged as a vocal advocate for police pursuit reform. In an emotional public statement, she questioned the actions of the troopers involved in the chase, urging for a review of the policies governing high-speed pursuits. Specifically, Kate called into question the decision-making process behind the pursuit and the risks it posed to public safety, particularly in densely populated areas like Little Five Points. Her efforts have garnered widespread support, with safety advocates, community leaders, and local residents rallying behind her call for reform.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on the balance between public safety and law enforcement practices. Governor Brian Kemp’s office, while acknowledging the gravity of the crash, defended the actions of the officers involved, stating that the criminal behavior of the suspect, who fled from police, was the primary cause of the accident. However, Governor Kemp’s defense of police pursuit tactics has faced backlash from those who believe that stronger regulations are needed to protect innocent lives.
In the aftermath of Cooper’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Kate Schoenke to support her advocacy efforts for police pursuit reform. The funds raised will go toward legal fees, public outreach, and initiatives to bring attention to the need for changes in law enforcement practices. The campaign has received significant attention, with donations pouring in from individuals across the country who share Kate’s belief that the policies governing police pursuits must be reexamined to prevent future tragedies.
The crash that took Cooper’s life occurred on a busy Monday afternoon in one of Atlanta’s most vibrant neighborhoods. At approximately 4:15 PM, Faduma Mohamed, who was reportedly fleeing from law enforcement after being flagged for a traffic violation, entered the area. The vehicle Mohamed was driving ran several red lights during the chase, escalating the situation. The high-speed pursuit eventually reached the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Moreland Avenue, where Mohamed’s car collided with Cooper’s vehicle. The impact of the crash was catastrophic, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Cooper was tragically killed on impact.
Mohamed, who was apprehended at the scene, was later charged with several serious offenses, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and fleeing law enforcement. Investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the chase and the events leading up to the crash. As of now, Mohamed remains in custody, and the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months.
The incident has raised important questions about the safety of high-speed police pursuits in urban areas. While law enforcement officers are tasked with upholding the law and protecting the public, many argue that pursuits like the one that led to Cooper’s death pose unnecessary risks to innocent bystanders. In the days following the crash, community leaders and safety advocates have called for reforms that would limit police pursuits to cases involving violent felonies or suspects posing an immediate threat to public safety.
Proposed reforms include requiring supervisory approval before initiating high-speed chases and implementing stricter guidelines for police pursuits in high-traffic areas during peak hours. These changes aim to strike a balance between the need for law enforcement to apprehend suspects and the need to protect the lives of innocent individuals who may be caught in the crossfire of high-speed chases. Many community members have expressed their outrage over the crash, and there is a growing sense of urgency to address the risks posed by police pursuits.
The tragic death of Cooper Schoenke has sparked a nationwide conversation about the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for greater accountability in law enforcement. The ongoing debate is not only about the safety of the public but also about ensuring that officers are equipped with the right tools and guidance to make sound decisions during pursuits. Advocates for reform argue that changes to police pursuit policies are necessary to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Cooper’s life.
As the investigation continues, Kate Schoenke remains determined to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Her tireless advocacy for police pursuit reform has drawn attention to the need for stronger regulations and greater oversight in law enforcement practices. Kate’s efforts have already sparked a broader movement for change, and she continues to work with lawmakers, safety advocates, and community leaders to bring about meaningful reforms that will make high-speed pursuits safer for all.
The death of Cooper Schoenke is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that come with high-speed police chases. His untimely passing has left a family and community in mourning, but it has also inspired a movement for change that will hopefully prevent future tragedies. Kate Schoenke’s fight for justice and reform is a testament to her love for her son and her determination to ensure that his death was not in vain. As the legal proceedings unfold and the debate about police pursuit reform continues, the hope is that Cooper’s death will lead to meaningful changes that will protect innocent lives and make our communities safer for everyone.
