Ga. trooper killed after chase

ATLANTA – A Georgia State Patrol trooper was shot and killed Monday night following a chase in Northwest Atlanta.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Trooper First Class Chadwick LeCroy attempted to stop a 2007 Mazda with a broken taillight. But, instead of pulling over, the driver fled; LeCroy pursued.

The driver –identified by the state patrol as Gregory Favors, 30, of Atlanta – crashed into a mailbox near the intersection of St. Paul Avenue and Hightower Road in West Atlanta, authorities said. As LeCroy approached the vehicle on the passenger side, the driver opened the car’s passenger door and fired three rounds; one struck LeCroy, police said.

The driver then fled in LeCroy’s patrol car before ditching the vehicle and running off on foot, according to published reports. LeCroy died as he was being transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.

Favors faces charges of murder and aggravated assault on a police officer, the state patrol said. Atlanta Police and Cobb County Police departments helped in the arrest.

LeCroy, of Marietta, is survived by a wife and two sons. LeCroy joined the Georgia State Patrol in January 2008.

Flags at the state patrol’s headquarters and state buildings are flying at half staff.

Favors was arrested 18 times before Monday, according to ajc.com.