A tragic case has emerged involving the alleged use of excessive force by state law enforcement, resulting in the death of a young man. The complaint was filed by Celesta Scott, individually and as the administrator of her son Chaston Paul Talley’s estate, against the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) and several officers. The filing took place on February 5, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The lawsuit centers around events that unfolded on June 4, 2022, when Chaston Paul Talley was pursued by members of the GDPS Crime Suppression Unit while riding his dirt bike through Atlanta and surrounding areas. According to the complaint, Trooper First Class David Kraeling intentionally rammed his police vehicle into Talley’s dirt bike during this pursuit. This action allegedly resulted in Talley being thrown into a tree and subsequently dying from his injuries on August 6, 2022. The plaintiff claims that at no point did Talley pose any threat or possess weapons during this encounter.
The complaint further accuses GDPS and its officers of violating Talley’s Fourth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 by using excessive force and failing to adhere to their own policies regarding pursuits and use of force against motorcycle riders. The filing highlights an internal culture within GDPS that purportedly prioritized aggressive tactics over established safety protocols, particularly against motorcyclists labeled as “street racers.” This approach was allegedly fueled by political motivations linked to Governor Brian Kemp’s campaign strategy to appear tough on crime.
Celesta Scott is seeking monetary damages for wrongful death under both federal law and Georgia’s Tort Claims Act. She argues that GDPS failed in its duty to properly train its officers and supervise their actions during pursuits. Additionally, she claims intentional infliction of emotional distress due to how her son’s case was handled post-incident—specifically citing efforts by GDPS personnel to mislead medical examiners and delay notifying Talley’s family about his condition.
Representing Celesta Scott are attorneys who aim to hold GDPS accountable for what they describe as a deliberate misuse of power resulting in unnecessary loss of life. The case is presided over by Judge TRJ with Case ID: 1:26-cv-00682-TRJ.
Source: 126cv00682_Celesta_Scott_v_Georgia_Department_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
