Savannah, Georgia — Habibullah Azizi, a Lyft driver in his 30s, and his passenger were killed late Wednesday night after a police chase ended in a violent crash at a busy intersection in Savannah, Chatham County.
Authorities said the incident started just before 10 p.m. when deputies attempted to pull over a black Chevrolet Trailblazer on Pennsylvania Avenue. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit began through local streets.
The chase came to a sudden end at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Capital Street when the fleeing SUV ran a red light. It slammed directly into Azizi’s vehicle, killing him and his passenger instantly, officials said.
Azizi had resettled in the United States after fleeing Afghanistan. Friends described him as a hardworking man trying to build a stable life. He worked as a Lyft driver to support his family and send money home.
The passenger in his vehicle has not been publicly identified. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The impact of the crash left both vehicles heavily damaged, scattering debris across the intersection.
The driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer was arrested shortly after the crash and charged with vehicular homicide. Authorities confirmed that two passengers inside the fleeing vehicle were also taken into custody, including one who had an outstanding felony warrant.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said it is reviewing dash-cam footage and surveillance video to determine exactly how the pursuit unfolded and whether protocol was followed during the chase.
A GoFundMe page has been launched in Azizi’s memory, with family and friends asking for support to cover funeral expenses and to help return his remains to Afghanistan. Those who knew him say he was deeply committed to his family and future.
