Two men arrested after brief high-speed pursuit in Hamilton County

Two men led Hamilton County sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase after being caught speeding and crossing double-yellow lines Saturday evening.

photo Ethan Dewayne Hall
photo James Michael Thompson

Ethan Dewayne Hall, 19, of Dayton, Tenn., is charged with reckless driving and reckless endangerment. He was also cited for speeding, improperly passing and failure to provide financial responsibility.

His passenger, James Michael Thompson, 25, also of Dayton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for resale, possession of Xanax for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At around 5 p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy saw Hall speeding and improperly passing other vehicles by crossing double yellow lines near the 7800 block of Highway 60, according to court documents. The deputy clocked him at around 68 mph in a 45 mph zone.

As the deputy gave chase, Hall's speed increased to about 80 and 90 mph, court documents state. The deputy reported Hall continued to improperly pass other vehicles before he was unable to pass any further and finally stopping the vehicle in the 5300 block of Highway 60.

Hall told deputies he didn't stop because his license was suspended.

After searching the vehicle, deputies took Thompson into custody for drug-related charges. Hall was believed to not have knowledge of the drugs in Thompson's possession, court documents state.

Both men were taken to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

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