Armed Chattanooga Teen Faces Charges After Late-Night Chase

‘Supposed to be getting food:’ Armed Chattanooga Teen Faces Charges After Late-Night Chase

A Turn For The Worse

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, what was supposed to be a quick food run took an unexpected turn for the worse when a 17-year-old teen found himself facing more than a half-dozen charges. The young man had his mother’s permission to drive the family car, but a broken tail light and a failure to stop at the intersection of Oakhill Road and Highway 58 drew the attention of law enforcement in the early hours of the morning.

High Speed Chase and Arrest

A little before 3 a.m, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies attempted to halt a Ford Escape that continued to move at a slow pace even after the enforcement signaled. According to the officials, the driver finally stopped at Bellbrook Drive and fled on foot along with other juveniles in the vehicle.

Though the deputies were unable to locate the other juveniles, they managed to apprehend the teen driver following a short on-foot chase. The law enforcement officers had to use a stun gun to subdue the suspect.

Unsettling Discovery

Upon vehicle search, HCSO deputies uncovered a series of troubling items. Officers reported finding a stolen firearm, an open alcohol container and 3.5 grams of substance believed to be marijuana. A suspiciously bent screwdriver, intended to break into vehicles, was also found in the driver’s side door.

The information from HCSO further disclosed that the minor had his mother’s consent to drive the vehicle, and he was only supposed to be making a food run.

Charges Against the Teen

Instead of returning home with food, the Chattanooga teen now faces seven charges, which include:

• Theft of property – Firearm
• Evading arrest
• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Possession of alcohol by a minor
• Stop sign violation
• Light law violation

The unidentified minor was shortly taken to the hospital after his encounter with the stun gun. After medical examination, deputies moved him to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

Second Incident within a Week

This chase marks the second of its nature in the same area of Hamilton County within the span of a week. In an earlier incident, four teenagers, aged between 13 to 16, were apprehended following a stolen car chase.

The HCSO announced that the successful resolution of Friday’s incident was due in part to increased patrol following these crimes in the area.