A kidnapping suspect has been arrested after a police pursuit through school property ended with a crash into a home, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Lavante Fitten was driving a white Dodge Journey during a pursuit by Cleveland police on I-75 South into Hamilton County around 6:45 p.m. Thursday when Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Fugitive Division personnel were made aware of the situation.
HCSO patrol units joined the pursuit near the 700 block of I-75 South and then continued north on Hwy 153. Fitten exited onto Bonny Oaks Drive and then headed west before making a sudden turn into Hillcrest Elementary School. Once on school property, Fitten drove on the south end through the playground fence and the field around the school walking track, the release states.
On the other side of the walking track, Fitten continued to drive up the hill toward the homes on Kayla Circle, where he crashed into the side of an occupied home. The vehicle was disabled and Fitten was taken into custody.
During the chase, Fitten exceeded 100 mph, swerved towards and deliberately struck HCSO vehicles “in attempts to disable patrol units as well as assault deputies,” according to the release.
Fitten is currently being charged with two counts of domestic assault, vandalism/malicious mischief, harassment, theft of property over $10,000, traffic control signals violation, reckless endangerment, evading arrest, possession of controlled substance, aggravated assault, reckless driving, aggravated burglary (occupied habitation), attempted rape, domestic assault and theft of property.
Units with the Chattanooga Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol assisted in the pursuit, arrest and crash investigations, the release states.
Lavante Fitten / Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office