James Bryan MillerA man wanted for allegedly leading police on a chase that included traveling the wrong way on Interstate 75 while trying to smash into officers with his car was charged with criminal homicide in a separate case nearly eight years ago.
James Bryan Miller, 30, was arrested on Oct. 4, 2008, on a charge of criminal homicide after the shooting death of Isaac Robinson, according to court records.
In that case, investigators with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office identified a crime scene in the 3900 block of Pattentown Road and were able to locate several witnesses who were inside when the shootings took place, one of whom was Miller.
Three suspects forcibly entered the home - which police identified as a "known drug house in the Summitt area" - shortly after midnight with their faces covered and bearing a long-barreled weapon, but Miller pulled out a firearm and began shooting.
Two of the intruders, Isaac Robinson and Michael Shadden, were shot by Miller and both later showed up at East Ridge Hospital.
Robinson died from his injuries in the hospital, but Miller had made no attempt to notify police, ask for medical attention or otherwise report the incident, according to the court records.
The homicide charge was dismissed in Hamilton County General Sessions Court the following week, but the case was just one of many Miller has been involved with here, records show.
He also has been charged on a range of offenses including aggravated burglary, assault and possession of a controlled substance.
After Monday's chase, he may have a new set of charges to deal with, but authorities must track him down first.
The chase began just before 10 a.m. on Monday when officers arrived at a home in the 700 block of Watts Avenue to follow up on an investigation into a stolen vehicle, according to police.
Officers saw a white man working on a blue SUV, but when he spotted officers, he hopped behind the wheel and attempted to hit them while driving in reverse.
He struck one investigator's car before fleeing the scene, and was pursued by two more officers. Miller allegedly drove north on I-75 in southbound traffic while the officers followed on the correct side.
A third officer, Jamie Barrow, who was driving the correct way on I-75 southbound, attempted to stop traffic at Exit 11, but the suspect drove toward her head-on, prompting her to shoot at him.
The suspect then crossed the median and began driving south on I-75 northbound toward the two investigators pursuing him, leading one, Ty Cooper, to also shoot at him.
The suspect then drove off the roadway and crashed. Another officer, Curtis Morris, also fired his weapon, but the suspect managed to flee on foot and is still at large, according to police.
All three officers who fired their weapons have been placed on a seven-day leave as per Chattanooga Police Department policy. Another officer, David Lewis, was injured when a semi-truck hit the rear of his vehicle, but he is expected to recover.
Authorities ask anyone with information about Miller's whereabouts to contact police at 423-698-2525.
Officers described his appearance as unshaven, with tattooed arms and dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.