The pair have been connected with multiple car break-ins and stolen trailers, and both the Chattanooga Police as well as the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.
Investigator Kendon Massengale first spotted the suspects in a Silver Chevrolet HHR that had been identified in several reported car burglaries, police said. When Massengale tried to get the car to stop, the driver fled - but not before Massengale was able to get the license plate number.
A short while later, officers located the suspects, who were trying to hide their car in a garage at 2503 Jenkins Road.
As police approached, a man later identified as Christopher Wittle, 23, ran into the house, though police were able to secure the second suspect, identified as 55-year-old Joseph Clark, before he could get away.
Police surrounded the house and Wittle eventually surrendered.
In addition to the car in question, the garage also contained "an abundance of firearms," including two assault rifles and 30-round magazines, as well as ammunition, tools and multiple trailers. Police say that a complete list of property, as well as a list of the charges against the pair of suspected thieves, will take several days to put together.