Chattanooga police: Pedestrian dragged half a mile by car

Pedestrian struck tile
Pedestrian struck tile

Chattanooga police said they smelled alcohol on the 21-year-old driver they believe struck a pedestrian downtown Friday morning around 2 a.m.

Twenty-two-year-old Levi Youster was walking in the parking lot of Chili's when he was struck and dragged down Fourth Street for half a mile, until the car stopped on the ramp of U.S. Highway 27.

Police say they do not believe there is any relationship between Youster and the driver.

Youster was able to walk after the accident, which police say was a miracle after being dragged under the car for such a distance. He was taken to a local hospital and was being treated for serious injuries.

Charges were pending the results of the driver's blood sample.

"We have reason to believe the suspect had been served [alcohol]" said Kyle Miller, spokesman for the Chattanooga Police Department.

Once the investigation is complete, the information will be presented to a grand jury for review, and to determine the level of charges.

Miller said this will ensure the strictest sentence is enforced.

Another person was struck by a car in February. Chattanooga firefighter Lt. Larry O'Rear was directing traffic on East Brainerd Road when he was struck by Andrea Payne.

She was indicted by the Hamilton County grand jury, and charged with a DUI, leaving the scene of a crash, vehicular assault, failure to render aid and failure to maintain lane.

Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.

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