ATLANTA — A car pursued by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) crashed into a building in downtown Atlanta on Friday morning, almost hitting four sleeping people and two pets on the sidewalk.

According to GSP officials, troopers were trying to initiate a traffic stop on I-85 southbound after a 2012 Audi sedan was traveling at 85 mph in a 55-mph zone.

When the driver refused to stop, troopers said a pursuit was initiated through downtown Atlanta. GSP officials said the driver took the Courtland Street exit and continued speeding recklessly through several intersections. The driver "eventually lost control, leaving the roadway near Ellis Street."

GSP officials stated that the driver crashed into the Avis car rental business at 143 Courtland Street.

Two unhoused witnesses told 11Alive's Doug T

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