Deputies Taze, Arrest 2 Men Following Separate Pursuits
Chattanooga Engulfed in High-Speed Chases
In two separate incidents that occurred on a single day, Chattanooga police arrested two individuals following intense car pursuits. Unfortunately, a third pursuit did not end in arrest as the suspects managed to evade the enforcement officers.
The First Pursuit: Malcolm Twilley
The first incident took place around 3 p.m. when officers attempted to halt a silver Chevrolet Impala for apparent traffic offences along Rossville Boulevard. The driver, purported to be 31-year-old Malcolm Twilley, refused to stop and led police on a chase into Walker County, Georgia. Failing to maintain control, the vehicle veered off the road and landed in a ditch. The suspect tried to escape on foot but was quickly subdued and apprehended with the help of a Taser deployed by the police.
Upon arresting the suspect, the officers discovered two bags of fentanyl and a set of digital scales in the suspect’s possession. Twilley was also found to have a revoked driver’s license and multiple active arrest warrants for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm with intent to go armed.
The charges filed against Twilley include resisting arrest, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, driving while under the influence, and evading arrest among others.
The Second Pursuit: Lyric Cruz
The second pursuit began when deputies from Walker County Sheriff’s Office attempted to intercept a stolen 2006 Land Rover that had allegedly hit one of their patrol cars earlier in the evening. The suspect led the police into Hamilton County, where further assistance was called in to join the chase around 5.30 p.m.
A PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) manoeuvre successfully stopped the vehicle on Rossville Boulevard. However, the driver, identified as 29-year-old Lyric Cruz, resisted arrest, attempting to hit a deputy with his bag. Despite the aggressive resistance, authorities managed to detain and arrest Cruz thanks to the intervention of a Taser.
A search of the suspect’s purse revealed a small bag of methamphetamine and a folding knife. Cruz, who also had existing warrants for evading arrest and reckless aggravated assault under the alias Marcus Rivers, admitted to using methamphetamine prior to the pursuit. He is now facing charges including evading arrest, possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest, assault on a first responder, and possession of stolen property among others.
Unresolved Pursuit
The third high-speed chase of the day involved two four-wheelers and two dirt bikes racing down Broad Street without any lights on their vehicles. When officers attempted to intercept the riders, they split up and managed to avoid arrest. Investigations into the identities of these individuals and their whereabouts continue.
These incidents remind us of the importance of activating a quick and professional response to maintain public safety and the rule of law. While the persistent efforts of Chattanooga law enforcement have resulted in two significant arrests, the investigation into the third incident is still ongoing.
