Friday, August 2, 2002
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Friday, August 2, 2002 |
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Authorities: woman fleeing police through PTC in deadly chase had fraud evidence, outstanding warrants By JOHN
MUNFORD
The Jonesboro woman who led Luthersville police on a deadly high speed chase through Peachtree City Saturday evening had plenty of reasons to run, according to police. Loraine McCrary, 37, of Jonesboro had numerous forged documents for credit card, checking and mortgage accounts, according to Maj. Bruce Jordan of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. McCrary was also wanted by two different jurisdictions for escape in Coweta County and for violation of probation stemming from fraud charges in DeKalb County, Jordan said. "She didn't want to get caught with that evidence," Jordan said. McCrary's vehicle struck an innocent motorist as she fled the city at speeds over 100 miles per hour, according to police. The motorist, Charles Vicha, died on the scene according to the Georgia State Patrol, which is investigating the accident. Three children were in McCrary's car at the time of the accident. Two have already been released from the hospital and a third, Tonisha Millens, was in serious condition Thursday afternoon at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, according to a spokesperson. McCrary was still in intensive care at Grady Memorial Hospital Thursday morning, Jordan said. McCrary has an extensive criminal history of fraud where she would "hit" stores in rural areas which did not have sophisticated electronic equipment with which she might get caught, Jordan said. "She has a pattern for doing this," Jordan said. "She's got an extensive, extensive criminal history under more than one name." The chase in Peachtree City led at high speeds through The Avenue shopping center, according to police. Peachtree City Police blocked off intersections to protect other motorists on the road, said Peachtree City Police Chief James Murray. While the GSP will file any possible traffic charges on McCrary relating to the crash, GSP officials asked the Fayette County Sheriff's Department to work the fraud case. With over 140 fraudulent documents found in McCrary's vehicle, the Fayette County District Attorney's office has asked authorities to pare down the charges to the best 10 cases, Jordan said.
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