Derrick SummersA pair of alleged car burglars were taken into custody over the weekend after leading police on a car chase through Ooltewah.
Police were dispatched to the 8400 block of Heron Bay Circle early Saturday morning on a report of an auto burglary and spotted a blue Chevrolet Cobalt moving slowly through the neighborhood. An officer turned to follow the suspicious vehicle, according to court documents.
The officer conducted a stop and initially got the driver to pull over, but he drove off again when the officer ordered the car be turned off. During the pursuit, the suspect reached speeds of more than 90 mph and drove on the wrong side of the road, ultimately losing control in the curves behind Ooltewah High School and crashing through a fence.
Jermichael ColeThe driver, Jermichael Cole, and two juvenile passengers surrendered, but another man, later identified as 18-year-old Derrick Summers, fled on foot. His identification was found in the car and the three other suspects confirmed the person who ran was Summers. Collegedale police found him hiding in a Burger King and brought him back to the scene.
A search of the vehicle yielded a handgun, a tactical vest belonging to a Tennessee state park ranger, and cash, among other items. Cole admitted to owning a small bag of marijuana and paraphernalia also found in the car.
After the initial complaint of a burglary, several more residents made similar reports. Both adults were taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of auto burglary. Both are scheduled to appear before Hamilton County General Sessions Judge Gary Starnes on May 17.
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfrepress.com or 423-757-6731. Follow him on Twitter @emmettgienapp.