UPDATE: The interstate has reopened since the incident.
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Local law enforcement agencies continue their search for a suspect involved in a vehicle and foot chase in the Ooltewah area.
This afternoon, Chattanooga Police Chief of Staff David Roddy described the person of interest as “desperate” and “brazen.”
Roddy said the department is not ready to release the name or age of the person of interest or the names of three police officers who fired weapons at him this morning.
The suspect attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon against the officers, said department spokesman Kyle Miller.
One officer suffered injuries – not believed to be life-threatening – when a semi truck struck the rear of his vehicle.
Police say the incident began when the suspect fled a 700 block Watts Avenue address as officers approached it as part of a stolen vehicle investigation earlier this morning.
The suspect’s vehicle hit a fence and dragged it behind him before heading northbound on I-75 southbound and ultimately wrecking in Ooltewah.
Chattanooga police are seeking a white male suspect on foot. Suspect is considered dangerous. He is unshaven and wears a white t-shirt and blue jeans. He has tattoos on both arms.
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Original Breaking News post:
Chattanooga Police have shut down I-75 southbound towards Apison Pike due to a vehicle and foot pursuit.
The departments asks the public to avoid the area, according to a recent Tweet.
“We will update the public as soon as more details become available,” department spokesman Kyle Miller said.
A vehicle accident with injuries has occurred on I-75, near Lee Highway and Volkswagen Drive, according to Hamilton County 911. It is not confirmed whether this incident is related to the police pursuit,
I75 SB, towards Apison Pk, shutdown due to vehicle and foot pursuit. Please avoid area.
— Chattanooga Police (@ChattanoogaPD) August 1, 2016