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Mathew Benton

Gender : Male

Age : 34

Race : Black

Date : 08/17/2025

Location : I-285 near Riverdale Road

City : College Park

County : Clayton

State : Georgia

Agency : College Park Police Department

Officer(s) :Sgt. Donnie Smith Jr.

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Killed during police pursuit

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 08/17/2025, Sgt. Donnie Smith Jr. (College Park Police) pursued a 2009 Land Rover at speeds exceeding 100 mph along I-285 near the Riverdale Road exit. The Land Rover lost control, left the roadway, struck a tree, and split in half, violently ejecting occupants. Mathew Benton, a 34-year-old passenger, was ejected and died from his injuries. Warrants allege Smith continued driving, failed to stop or render aid, and did not report the crash. Smith was later terminated and arrested; he faces felony charges including first-degree vehicular homicide, hit-and-run resulting in death, reckless driving, failure to report an accident, and violation of oath of office. The matter remains under criminal investigation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/police-sergeant-charged-homicide-after-high-speed-chase-ends-deadly-crash
https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/09/college-park-sergeant-hit-100-mph-in-chase-then-left-deadly-crash-police-say/
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/south-fulton-county/just-left-my-son-mother-shocked-by-college-park-officer-accused-not-helping-after-deadly-crash/
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/09/24/college-park-police-officer-charged-deadly-august-chase/