A chase involving a stolen vehicle ended with a suspect crashing into a patrol car Friday on Highway 58, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect has been identified as Randy Ridge, of Harrison, Tennessee. He is facing charges including multiple traffic violations, theft of property, reckless endangerment and felony evading.
In addition to those charges, Ridge has outstanding warrants on driving on suspended license, theft and failure to appear charges.
Ridge was taken by Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services to a hospital for evaluation. The deputy involved in the crash did not sustain any injuries.
About 4:45 p.m., a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy ran the tag on a suspected stolen vehicle on Highway 58. It was found to belong to a stolen station wagon wanted out of Huntsville, Tennessee.
As deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to pull over and a chase followed on Highway 58 southbound. The pursuit led deputies throughout several roads leading off Highway 58.
Once returning to Highway 58, the station wagon traveled north until it crossed the median, where it collided with a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit trying to stop it from driving into oncoming traffic. The vehicle came to a stop and the suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended by deputies.
This incident remains under investigation.
– Compiled by Jody Park