Dramatic footage released by police show officers drag a man suspected of stealing a police car from the upturned vehicle moments before its hit by train.
The incident in the early hours of January 28 began when Atlanta police pulled over a vehicle.
While the officer was talking to the driver, a person previously univolved got in and drove off with the patrol car.
The hijacked vehicle was quickly tracked down by a police helicopter and was seen speeding through Atlanta neighbourhood.
The helicopter operators were calling out directions to the ground teams who were following on.
The suspect lost control of the vehicle and it flipped, coming to rest on a nearby train track.
Footage taken by a police helicopter thermal camera shows officers approaching the upturned car.
In bodycam video the officers can be seen smashing their way through the car windows, the suspect is then dragged out of the wreckage by officers.
As they bundle him away from the vehicle, they can be heard shouting: "Move!" over the blaring horns of the approaching train.
Further helicopted footage shows the train clip the wrecked car knocking it round. Officers then re-approach the wreck as the train rolls past at speed.
The suspect was taken into custody and identified as Mickal Parker, 29.
He has been charged with theft by taking, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstruction, and damage to city property and was taken to Fulton County Jail.
A police spokesperson praised the officers involved saying: "This incident is one that truly shows no traffic stop is routine. The officers involved were quickly able to transition from traffic enforcement to stolen vehicle recovery and then transition again to preservation of life.
"We are proud of the efforts of the units on the ground as well as in the air, as they all worked to safely conclude an incident that could have ended in death or seriously bodily harm."
Members of the public were quick to heap further praise on the officers involved after seeing the video.
One commented underneath the Atlanta police department's original post saying: "This is wild! Thank you to those willing to serve and protect every day."
Another said: "Excellent work by those officers saving his life!"
