Desiree HesterThe high-speed car chase ended on Monday afternoon, but the driver and a passenger who took off running from the scene remain on the loose.
Authorities identified Desiree Alexus Hester, 19, from Nashville, as the person who escaped the scene then allegedly stole a car and injured the owner by striking her with the vehicle. Hester was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Top 10 most wanted list on Tuesday evening.
Tyrell FlenoyHester is believed to be traveling with Tyrell Flenoy, 20, who was driving the car and fled the scene in a different direction. Hester and Flenoy are both members of the Bloods gang and should be considered armed and dangerous, according to an official with the TBI.
Monday's high-speed chase began around 4:45 p.m. in Catoosa County, Ga., and continued until troopers with the Georgia State Patrol forcefully stopped the car near the ridge cut on westbound Interstate 24, according to Sgt. Darren Gleaton with GSP.
Officials are still unclear why Flenoy, who is wanted on a federal probation violation, was driving recklessly and refused to pull the car over when authorities began to follow. Gleaton said attention was first drawn to the car because it was driving at high-speeds, passing cars in the emergency lane.
Troopers rammed the car into the concrete barrier, but Flenoy escaped through a passenger window, Gleaton said. As Flenoy was climbing out the window, a handgun fell onto the pavement. Flenoy ran down a grassy embankment and toward Fourth Avenue, where he disappeared into a wooded area.
Gleaton said troopers tried to track him with dogs but were not successful.
Four females remained in the car, including Hester.
As troopers began to get them out, Hester escaped and ran toward Lyerly Street, where she stole the car. According to GBI officials, she does not have a previous criminal record.
The three others were interviewed and released, Gleaton said. No narcotics were found in the car, and the females do not face any charges.
"They said they had gone to pick the male up, and he said he was driving back, and the rest is history," Gleaton said.
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.