Cobb Cop Car Thief Familiar With Law Enforcement

The woman accused of stealing a Cobb County patrol car and leading police on a high speed chase down Interstate 75 on Sunday afternoon has had run-ins with the law before, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

According to WRAL in North Carolina, Clayton County resident Emmerli Latrice Wilcoxson, 40 encountered Officer Diana Painter outside a Raleigh Motel 6 at roughly 4 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2010. Wilcoxson allegedly flailed her arms at Painter and screamed, “You’re going to die tonight. I’m going to kill you.” WIlcoxson then charged at Painter, who fired five shots in self defense. Officer Phillip D. Matthews also fired at Wilcoxson after she allegedly charged in his direction.

No criminal charges were filed against her, but she has filed a civil suit against the city and the involved officers.

On Aug. 10 of this year, Wilcoxson was pulled over by Cobb County police at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Windy Hill Road. According to Officer Mike Bowman, when officers approached Wilcoxson, she managed to get in their patrol car and flee the scene.

Wilcoxson sped down Interstate 75, with police in hot pursuit. Witnesses told the AJC that Wilcoxson’s cruiser reached speeds of 100 mph. She attempted to exit the interstate at North Avenue, but plowed into the rear end of a Chevrolet Cavalier, sending both vehicles into the concrete wall. Two other vehicles were involved in the crash. Wilcoxson then got out of the totaled cruiser and charged at police before being subdued and arrested.

The driver of the Cavalier has sustained severe injuries to his lower body. Wilcoxson received head injuries in the crash. Both are in treatment at Grady Memorial Hospital. It is expected that Wilcoxson will be transported to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center following treatment.

Photo Credit: Clayton County Sheriff’s Office