A high speed car chase ended Wednesday when a police truck stopped the vehicle, a stolen EPB van, by swerving in front of it and causing a collision on Highway 153 southbound near Bonny Oaks.
Chattanooga police arrested the driver, Brett Ellis, 27, spokesperson Sgt. Victor Miller said in a news release. Ellis is charged with aggravated assault on police, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, auto theft and felony evading arrest.
The chase began after a police officer stopped the van on Dodds Avenue, according to the release. During the traffic stop, Ellis allegedly tried to hit a police officer with the vehicle, according to the release.
The chase ended within view of a news conference held by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, where a gaggle of reporters and first responders were gathered for an announcement by the mayor.
As the conference was about to begin, every head swiveled to find the source of sirens followed by a loud crash. Almost immediately, officials were shouting at all attendees, including Wamp, to take cover behind newly minted EMS vehicles.