Police officer almost run over during chase that resulted in arrest of two gang members

Vehicle matches description of one involved in Brainerd Road shooting

Chattanooga police car tile
Chattanooga police car tile

A Chattanooga police officer who pulled over a speeding vehicle narrowly missed being run over and ended up arresting two validated gang members, according to a police news release.

The incident started at 10:40 a.m. Thursday when the unnamed officer at the corner of Citico and North Chamberlain avenues saw a vehicle speeding southbound. The vehicle matched the description of one seen at a Feb. 3 shooting on Brainerd Road, and the officer tried to make a traffic stop.

The driver pulled into a driveway in the 500 block of Kilmer Street and when the officer got out of his car, reversed toward him, the release stated. The officer jumped behind his cruiser and spotted a passenger in the back of the suspect car.

He lost the vehicle briefly but spotted it again on Glenwood Parkway as more police came to join the chase. The fleeing driver hit an unoccupied car in the 2400 block of Vine Street, then lost control and wrecked in the 1100 block of Wheeler Avenue.

He jumped from the vehicle and ran but was caught. He was identified as Montrell Crayton, 17, an adjudicated juvenile.

The back seat passenger, who had been shot in December and was wearing a leg brace, couldn't run and was arrested in the vehicle for outstanding warrants.

Crayton faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a vehicle, evading and resisting arrest and multiple traffic charges.

The passenger, Darius J. Blakemore, 26, is charged with two counts of possessing drugs for resale.

"Our officers did an outstanding job catching these bad guys, and I am glad these criminals did not harm one of my officers," said police Chief Fred Fletcher. "We will be working closely with all our law enforcement partners to urge that these known violent gang members stay off our streets."

Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this arrest to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.

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