An East Ridge police officer was injured while chasing a man suspected of dealing drugs Friday, according to police spokesman Erik Hopkins.
Around 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, police were investigating a possible drug deal near the Food Lion at 4340 Ringgold Road. As officers arrived, the male driver of a white SUV they were watching attempted to drive away, Hopkins said.
After a brief pursuit the driver and a female passenger jumped out and ran. Officers chased them through several yards and over a 6-foot chain-link fence. As the police closed in, the man attempted to pull a hunting knife from his belt, Hopkins’ release said.
The officers stopped the man from using the knife, but one was cut on his upper body while scaling the fence and broke his thumb while subduing the suspect, Hopkins said.
James M. Richards, 36, of Crossville, Tenn., was charged with aggravated assault on police, felony evading arrest, felony vandalism, possession of Schedule II drugs for resale and driving on a suspended license.