Armed Chattanooga Teen Arrested after Late-night Police Chase
Teenager Allegedly Allowed to Go Out for Late-Night Food Run Ends Up in Law Enforcement Custody
A 17-year-old from Chattanooga, Tennessee, out supposedly on a late-night food run at the permission of his mother, now faces over half a dozen charges after being apprehended by law enforcement officials. The teenager was taken into custody after a low-speed chase that resulted in the use of a stun gun by the pursuing officers.
Possible Traffic Violation Sparks Pursuit
The incident began when officers observed the Ford Escape the juvenile was driving – a vehicle with a non-functioning brake light – ignoring a stop at the junction of Oakhill Road and Highway 58, according to information from the local Sheriff’s Office. Officers attempted to stop the car near Jersey Pike and Eastwood Drive, but the vehicle kept trailing ahead at a slow speed before finally halting on Bellbrook Drive.
Three Co-occupants Evade Apprehension
Upon coming to a stop, the juvenile driver fled on foot, as did three other youngsters who had been accompanying him in the vehicle. At this time, the identities and locations of the three companions remain unkown. However, the quick action by the officers resulted in the teenage driver being apprehended after a brief foot pursuit, which included the use of a stun gun to subdue the suspect.
Disturbing Discoveries
The subsequent search carried out by the police led to the discovery of some concerning items: a stolen firearm, considerable quantities of a substance suspected to be marijuana, an open alcohol container, and a bent screwdriver – a tool often associated with vehicle theft. The firearm theft discovery has raised significant interest and concern in this case.
Mother Surprised by Situation
Conversation with the teenager’s mother after the incident revealed she had permitted him to drive the family car supposedly for the purpose of purchasing food. The arrival of multiple charges against the juvenile, however, depicts a different story.
Seven Charges Brought Against the Teenager
The young man now faces the following charges:
- Theft of property – firearm
- Evading arrest
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Possession of alcohol by a minor
- Stop sign violation
- Light law violation
Following medical assessment at the hospital after the stun-gun encounter, law enforcement officials transported him to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.
Increase in Juvenile Crime in the Area
This is not an isolated incident in the area. Earlier in the week, four teens aged between 13 and 16 were also taken into custody after leading police officers on a chase in a stolen vehicle. There has been a noticeable increase in juvenile crime in this part of Hamilton County, leading to public safety concerns and a heightened alert amongst the law enforcement community.
