Police ID Brookhaven Woman Wanted For Nearly Hitting Officer

BROOKHAVEN, GA — Police have identified a Brookhaven woman accused of nearly striking an officer with her vehicle as she fled a traffic stop before leading officers on a 20-mile long pursuit. Essence Barkley, 24, is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer; stealing a car; and receiving stolen property, in this case, a license plate. Barkley is also charged by Chamblee police with one felony count of fleeing a police officer.

Barkley is also wanted on several charges from Atlanta police.

Barkley is not yet in custody. Police said she may be in metro Atlanta or in the Greensboro, North Carolina area. Anyone with information as to her location should contact Brookhaven Police or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta, and anyone providing information that leads to her apprehension may be eligible for a reward. Tips may be submitted online at: www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org, by calling: 404-577-TIPS (8477), or by texting “CSA” and the tip to CRIMES (274637).