Cooper Schoenke Tragically Killed in Atlanta by Fleeing Suspect, Grieving Mother Kate Schoenke Calls for Urgent Reform of Police Pursuit Policies Following Son’s Death in High-Speed Crash
On April 14, 2025, the city of Atlanta was rocked by the tragic death of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke, who lost his life in a devastating car crash in the Little Five Points neighborhood. The incident occurred when a vehicle, being pursued by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers, ran a red light and collided with Cooper’s car. The suspect behind the wheel of the fleeing vehicle, identified as 23-year-old Faduma Mohamed, was attempting to evade law enforcement at the time of the crash. The collision resulted in Cooper’s untimely death and left his family and community grappling with an unimaginable loss.
As the investigation into the crash continues, Faduma Mohamed faces a range of serious charges, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and other offenses. In the wake of this tragedy, Cooper’s mother, Kate Schoenke, has become a powerful voice advocating for police pursuit reform. In an emotional public statement, she questioned the actions of the troopers involved in the chase, specifically the decision-making process behind the pursuit and the risks it posed to public safety. Kate has called for significant changes to how police handle high-speed pursuits, especially in densely populated areas like the Little Five Points neighborhood, where the crash occurred.
The tragic death of Cooper Schoenke has brought renewed attention to the dangers associated with police chases, and community leaders, safety advocates, and policy experts are now calling for immediate reform of the Georgia State Patrol’s pursuit policies. These reforms include measures such as limiting high-speed pursuits to cases involving violent felonies, requiring supervisory approval before initiating chases, and implementing stricter guidelines for police pursuits in high-traffic areas during peak hours.
The incident has also sparked a broader debate about the balance between public safety and law enforcement practices. Governor Brian Kemp’s office, while acknowledging the gravity of the crash, has emphasized the criminal actions of the suspect and warned against ending police chases altogether, arguing that doing so could have unintended consequences for public safety.
As Kate Schoenke continues to mourn the loss of her son, she remains determined to prevent similar tragedies in the future. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support her advocacy efforts and to raise awareness about the need for urgent reform of police pursuit policies in Georgia and beyond. The Schoenke family’s fight for justice is now a rallying cry for those who believe that changes are needed to protect innocent lives from the dangers of reckless high-speed chases.
This heartbreaking story has touched the hearts of many, and as the Schoenke family navigates this difficult time, the community has come together in solidarity, offering their support to the family and to the cause of police pursuit reform.
The Tragic Events Leading to Cooper Schoenke’s Death
On the afternoon of April 14, 2025, Cooper Schoenke was driving through the bustling Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta, a vibrant area known for its eclectic mix of businesses, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Little did Cooper know, his life was about to be forever altered by a tragic event that would claim his life.
At approximately 4:15 PM, a vehicle being pursued by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers entered the area, with officers attempting to stop the driver for an undisclosed violation. The suspect, later identified as Faduma Mohamed, a 23-year-old woman, was reportedly fleeing from law enforcement after being flagged by GSP for a traffic violation. The details of the initial encounter remain under investigation, but law enforcement officials confirmed that Mohamed was attempting to evade capture when the chase began.
According to witnesses, the high-speed chase escalated through the city streets, with Mohamed’s vehicle running several red lights in a desperate bid to elude the pursuing officers. The situation grew increasingly dangerous as the chase moved into more populated areas. Mohamed’s car eventually reached the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Moreland Avenue, a busy part of Atlanta where traffic can become congested, especially during late afternoon hours. It was at this intersection that disaster struck.
As the suspect’s car ran a red light at the intersection, it collided with Cooper Schoenke’s vehicle, which was proceeding through the green light. The impact was catastrophic. Cooper’s car was sent spinning, and the 19-year-old was tragically killed on impact. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Cooper could not be saved. His life was taken far too soon, leaving his family and friends devastated by the sudden and senseless loss.
Faduma Mohamed’s Arrest and Charges
Following the crash, Faduma Mohamed was apprehended at the scene by law enforcement officers. She was treated for minor injuries before being taken into custody. Mohamed now faces multiple charges related to the crash, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. The charges reflect the severity of her actions in evading police, which ultimately led to the tragic death of an innocent bystander.
The details of Mohamed’s criminal history are still being investigated, but law enforcement sources indicate that she may have a history of traffic violations. However, her motives for fleeing from police remain unclear. Investigators are continuing to look into the events leading up to the chase, but the focus has also turned to the actions of the police officers involved in the pursuit.
Kate Schoenke’s Advocacy for Police Pursuit Reform
In the aftermath of her son’s death, Kate Schoenke has emerged as a vocal advocate for reforming police pursuit policies. During an emotional interview with local news outlets, Kate questioned the wisdom of allowing such a high-speed chase to take place in a densely populated area like Little Five Points, where the risks to innocent bystanders were substantial.
“What was the endgame?” Kate asked in the interview. “Were the officers going to try to stop her at any cost, even if it meant putting others in danger? The neighborhood she was headed into was more and more crowded. Why didn’t they call off the chase before it was too late?”
Kate’s words struck a chord with many, and her call for reform has resonated with people across the state and beyond. She has since met with local lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and safety advocates to discuss potential changes to the policies governing police pursuits in Georgia. Her efforts are focused on preventing future tragedies like the one that claimed her son’s life and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for the decisions they make during high-speed chases.
The Community’s Response: Calls for Reform and Support for the Schoenke Family
In the wake of Cooper Schoenke’s death, the Atlanta community has rallied around the Schoenke family, offering condolences and support during this incredibly difficult time. Local residents have organized memorial services, fundraisers, and advocacy events in Cooper’s memory, all aimed at raising awareness of the dangers associated with police pursuits.
Community leaders and safety advocates have also joined Kate Schoenke’s call for reform, urging state lawmakers to review and revise the current policies that govern high-speed chases. Proposed reforms include limiting police pursuits to situations where the suspect is involved in a violent felony or poses an immediate threat to public safety. Additionally, many advocates have called for requiring supervisory approval before initiating a chase and restricting police pursuits in high-traffic areas, especially during peak hours.
The push for police pursuit reform has garnered support from across the political spectrum, with both law enforcement officials and civil rights groups agreeing that changes may be necessary to better balance the need for law enforcement to apprehend suspects with the safety of the public. The debate is ongoing, but there is a growing consensus that reforms are needed to reduce the risk of innocent lives being lost in similar incidents.
Governor Brian Kemp’s Response
As the tragedy unfolded, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the incident. However, the statement also defended the actions of law enforcement, emphasizing that the suspect’s criminal behavior—specifically fleeing from police—was the primary cause of the crash.
While Governor Kemp expressed sympathy for the Schoenke family’s loss, he also warned against implementing blanket restrictions on police pursuits, arguing that such measures could undermine law enforcement’s ability to apprehend dangerous criminals. “Ending police chases entirely would be a bad idea,” the statement read. “We must ensure that officers have the tools they need to protect the public and prevent violent criminals from escaping justice.”
This statement has sparked debate among policymakers, with some calling for a more nuanced approach that allows for police pursuits but under stricter conditions to ensure public safety.
The GoFundMe Campaign and Advocacy Efforts
In an effort to support her son’s legacy and to continue her fight for policy change, Kate Schoenke has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for her advocacy efforts. The campaign seeks to cover legal fees, support public outreach, and fund initiatives that promote police pursuit reform across Georgia. It has already garnered significant attention and support, with donors from all over the country contributing to the cause.
As the campaign grows, Kate’s efforts are beginning to spark a broader conversation about the need for police reform not only in Georgia but across the nation. The tragic death of Cooper Schoenke has become a symbol for those who believe that changes must be made to prevent further unnecessary loss of life in high-speed chases.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice and Reform
As the investigation into Cooper Schoenke’s death continues, Kate Schoenke remains steadfast in her commitment to preventing similar tragedies. She continues to meet with lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to push for meaningful changes to how police pursuits are handled. With her tireless advocacy, Kate hopes to ensure that her son’s death was not in vain and that future generations will be spared from experiencing the same heartache.
The tragic events of April 14, 2025, have left an indelible mark on the Atlanta community, and the call for reform in the wake of Cooper Schoenke’s death is gaining momentum. The fight for justice and change continues, and Kate Schoenke’s voice will remain a powerful force in the ongoing push for police pursuit reform.
