Fleeing teen rams another squad car
by Marcus E. Howard
mhoward@mdjonline.com
March 05, 2010 01:00 AM | 3469 views | 8 8 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print
MARIETTA - In 2008, Brandon Kyle Haire, suspected to be driving drunk, eluded police, rammed a police cruiser and collided with an SUV, which was occupied by Marietta High School men's basketball coach Charlie Hood and his friend, former Assistant Police Chief Rupert Raines.

Today, that same teen is back in jail after crashing into another police car last week, authorities said.

Cobb Police charged Haire, 18, with DUI less safe alcohol, fleeing or attempting to elude, no license, and possession or purchase of alcohol by a minor, which are all misdemeanors. He is also charged with felony interference with government property.

He was booked into the Cobb County Jail, where he remains on a $10,000 bond.

Police reported that they attempted to stop Haire's erratic driving on Feb. 27 at around 6:47 p.m. on Powder Springs Road near the Macland Road intersection in Marietta.

That evening, the 2003 Volkswagen Passat Haire was driving went off the road's shoulder near Pamela Circle, which caught the attention of two police officers working a traffic stop. A lookout for a suspected DUI driver had already been placed by dispatch, according to a police report. The officers initiated an unsuccessful traffic stop, then pursued Haire on Powder Springs Road

After more officers joined in the chase, police conducted a "rolling roadblock" maneuver, in which authorities surround a vehicle to slow it, the report stated. That's when Haire struck two police cars, sideswiping one and rear-ending the other, before coming to a stop, police said.

"Both (police) vehicles had minor to moderate damage," Officer Joe Hernandez said. "Mainly cosmetic damage."

Haire sustained minor cuts and was treated at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, before he was sent to jail, Hernandez said.

Haire was involved in a similar matter in 2008, which ended with a wrecked police car.

Haire was arrested on Nov. 29, 2008, by Marietta police and charged with a host of traffic offenses, including felony fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, hit and run, driving on the wrong side of the road, no license, DUI test refused, and felony criminal interference with government property.

After spending time in jail, the then-17 year old received at least 12 months of probation by Cobb Superior Court Judge Tain Kell as a first offender, beginning April 21, 2009. He was also ordered to pay fines. His court appointed lawyer at that time, Che Karega of Powder Springs, said Thursday that Haire's probation would likely be revoked now and that he could receive some lengthy jail time.

According to the 2008 incident police report, Haire took off from a parking lot on Cherokee Street after officers asked him to exit the GMC Sierra he was driving. In a police video, his vehicle could be seen running red lights, ramming vehicles including a police cruiser, and colliding with an SUV before plowing into a building.

Hood and Raines, who had gone a scouting trip to see Cherokee County High School's basketball team play, were inside that SUV. The men sustained minor injuries.

Raines, who retired in 1985 after serving 25 years with Marietta police, said Haire should be stopped from driving before "he kills somebody."

"This is twice this has happened. He does not need to be put back out on the streets without some kind of rehabilitation," Raines said. "I don't know anything about the young man. From what I understand, he comes from a broken home and all that kind of stuff. He's going to have to be given some professional guidance. They need to keep him incarcerated until they can find out what his problem is."

Hood said he was sad to hear Haire is facing similar charges once more.

"You'd think he would have learned after the first time," he said. "Maybe the criminal justice system will be a little more serious on this offense after two. He caused a lot of damage and inconvenience that night after he ran into us."
Comments
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January 27, 2011
If the court system follows the usual course of action, they will convict him and the Judge will sentence him to DOUBLE PROBATION and if he continues to ignore the terms of his double probation, the judge will truly get tough and sentence him to TRIPLE PROBATION!
CobbCop
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March 08, 2010
Actually, it IS a felony if you strike another vehicle, go 30mph over the limit, or hit a pedestrian while eluding. This kid did at least one of those. I don't know why the officer didn't charge him with aggravated assault as it is usually the norm when someone rams a police car.
gudnit
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March 06, 2010
why isnt fleeing and eluding when you hit and hurt somebody a felony, aggravated assault comes to mind. there is no reason why it shouldnt be one.
Drinking problem
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March 06, 2010
Did this kid go to Walker School, maybe he needs to hire Diane Busch to be his attorney, and then he will get to play baseball instead of jail...
Ash2005
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March 05, 2010
A kid that disturbed needs a DOCTOR! NOT PRISON HOPEFULLY THE JUDGE IS SMARTER THAN SOCIETY!!!! He is going to learn things from other criminals and when he does get out which he will sooner than later he will still be messed up in the head and probably kill someone or rob the homes of stuck up rich people like the ones wanting him to just go to prison why can we not help people with mental illness? In stead of locking them up help them so they will be productive citizens
Rick8
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March 05, 2010
Maybe he should get some baseball practice for his punishment?

They're are going to throw the book at him (rightfully so), too bad he isn't a Walker school kid:)
Fleeing
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March 05, 2010
I hate to say this, but our solicitors and DAs do not take Fleeing and Attempt to Elude charges serious enough. Fleeing from police officer in a vehicle is placing every member of the public at risk... these people are one mistake away from hitting and killing our wives, children, parents, friends... and what do they typically get? Probation... They place police officers and innocent citizens in risk of death, and they get probation?? Amazing!

Contact DA Pat Head and Solicitor Barry Morgan and tell them you are tired of seeing stories like this. It is time for prosecutors and judges to send out the message that if you choose to run from the police, you choose to start a car chase.. you WILL be serving time behind bars. Probation, seriously?!
Stop him!
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March 05, 2010
I am so tired of the excuse,"He comes from a broken home." Noone has a fairytale life. This criminal is old enough to know better. It is time we put kids like this away. He will never become a productive citizen!
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