A multi-county car chase involving multiple deputies started in Rhea County and ended in Hamilton County on Thursday when a vehicle struck several others on Highway 60.
Around 9 a.m., deputies were notified of a pursuit involving the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Hamilton County deputies joined the pursuit, involving a black Dodge Durango, when the vehicle entered Hamilton County on Highway 60.
The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Cornell D. Wilson, who deputies say struck multiple vehicles and sideswiped a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol car during the pursuit.
Multi-county chase ends with crash in Hamilton County
(READ MORE: Chattanooga police chase stolen EPB vehicle, ending in a collision)
(READ MORE: Chattanooga police chase stolen EPB vehicle, ending in a collision)
According to the release, before reaching the interchange of Interstate 75 and Highway 153, Wilson collided with a FedEx truck and came to a stop against the median barrier. Wilson then fled on foot, and when a Hamilton County deputy tried to deploy a Taser, Wilson “struck the deputy in the head with a closed fist,” authorities said.
Wilson was then taken into custody and faces charges from the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Additionally, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has charged Wilson with aggravated vehicular assault, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
“Let me be clear: Don’t make the stupid decision to attempt to flee from law enforcement — especially not into Hamilton County — and never attempt to assault one of my deputies because we are fully committed to apprehending you and holding you accountable, once again, for your stupid decisions and actions,” Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett said in the release.
An investigation is ongoing.
–– Compiled by Kiara Green