Reckless Driver Sought After Teen Pedestrian Struck and Dragged in Marietta Parking Lot

The Marietta Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a serious incident that occurred on Friday, April 25, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM in the Westside Plaza, located at the corner of Powder Springs Rd and Sandtown Rd.

The initial investigation revealed that 19-year-old Jeremias Escalante Perez from Virginia was either walking or standing in the parking lot when an unidentified male driving a silver Infinity G35 began driving recklessly, performing burnouts. As the Infinity attempted to leave the parking lot, it struck and dragged Perez. The driver failed to stop at the scene or offer any aid to the injured teen.

Perez sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment.

Authorities are actively investigating this hit-and-run and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle and its driver. The suspect vehicle is described as a silver Infinity G35 and was observed with a test drive tag in place of a standard license plate.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Officer J. Henderson at 770-794-5384. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Marietta Police Department’s app or via Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta.