A high-speed vehicle chase in downtown Chattanooga began near the 1200 block of Market Street after the motorist failed to wait for pedestrians to clear a crosswalk while making a right-hand turn, according to an affidavit.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the downtown area special patrol initiative were involved in the arrest Thursday evening.
Eric Johnson, 51, was driving a blue Honda Element with a single-axle trailer attached to the rear, according to police. The trailer did not have illuminating lights or working brake lights. After Johnson failed to yield at the crosswalk, a deputy attempted to stop his car, but Johnson ignored an officer’s lights and siren before “improperly passing” a vehicle and making an “improper turn” onto East M.L. King Boulevard, the affidavit said.
Johnson accelerated to more than 50 mph in a 35-mph zone, officers said, driving into oncoming traffic to evade deputies. The pursuit continued through the downtown area, reaching speeds of more than 80 mph, according to the affidavit. Johnson continued onto McCallie Avenue, where officers said he nearly struck a minivan.
(READ MORE: Man arrested on several charges after vehicle pursuit, collision in Chattanooga)