HCSO Involved in Pursuit with Shooting Suspect from Chattanooga
Chattanooga – In a dramatic turn of events, a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy found themselves in pursuit of a shooting suspect in the early hours of Saturday, April 13, 2024. The vehicle in question – a silver Dodge Challenger adorned with two black racing stripes – had previously been flagged by the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) but had managed to evade law enforcement until that point.
The Chase Begins
Authorities report that the situation unfolded when an HCSO deputy noticed the suspect vehicle on Highway 58 around 1:00 am. The vehicle then exited the highway onto Highway 153 North and rapidly accelerated, sparking a high-speed chase. However, deputies lost sight of the vehicle near the Target store on Highway 153.
In response, law enforcement from multiple areas promptly saturated the vicinity to locate the elusive vehicle. Their efforts bore fruit when Red Bank Police Department personnel spotted the suspect’s vehicle parked suspiciously at a residence near the 500 block of Royal Crest Drive.
Apprehending the Suspect
Officers from the HCSO, Red Bank Police Department, and the CPD subsequently surrounded the residence. Contact was made with the occupants, and the driver was identified as Darrius Harris, born February 1996.
Further investigation led to a shocking discovery. Harris was found to be in possession of significant quantities of narcotics, including roughly 20 grams of Methamphetamine, 26 grams of Fentanyl, and 5 grams of Marijuana. More alarmingly, there was an unsuccessful attempt by Harris to smuggle these narcotics into the Hamilton County Jail at the time of booking.
Charges and Seizures
Harris has been slapped with multiple charges by the HCSO, including:
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Evading
- Driving without a License
- Possession of Methamphetamine for Resale
- Possession of Fentanyl for Resale
- Possession of Marijuana
- Contraband in a Penal Institution
In addition to the charges, the CPD seized the Dodge Challenger involved in the pursuit on grounds of suspicion. A firearm and additional narcotics were discovered in the vehicle, further strengthening the case against Harris.
Next Steps
While the authorities have made significant progress with regards to this case, the investigation is still ongoing. Law enforcement declined to provide additional information, demonstrating the serious and sensitive nature of this case.
This incident not only underscores the danger and unpredictability inherent in law enforcement activities but also serves as a stark reminder of the drug menace that plagues our communities.
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