Man suspected of stealing car in Georgia arrested in Bradley County

photo Levi Daniel Coats

A man suspected in a stolen-car chase that started in Georgia and ended in Tennessee after the driver fled on foot was arrested in Bradley County, authorities say.

Levi Daniel Coats, 24, of Dalton, Ga., was picked up this morning while walking along Dalton Pike, said Bob Gault, spokesman for the Bradley County Sheriff's Office. The clothing worn by Coats matched the description given by Georgia deputies, Gault said.

Coats was identified by Whitfield County officers as the driver of a stolen vehicle they chased across the state line Wednesday night.

Coats is charged in Bradley County as a fugitive from justice, Gault said, and is awaiting extradition to Georgia, where additional charges are expected.

On Wednesday, Whitfield County and Varnell units started pursuing a Nissan Maxima after it was stolen from a Varnell convenience store, Gault said.

The vehicle crossed into Bradley County, where deputies threw down spike strips near Waterville Community Elementary School. Once the tires on the stolen car deflated, the driver, who was alone, ran away on foot.

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