A man is in jail after leading deputies and officers from several local law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase along some major roadways Sunday night.
Dustin DraughonThe incident happened around 11:45 p.m. when a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle run a red light on Highway 153 in Hixson. The deputy tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled. At one point, a passenger tried to exit the vehicle but was pulled back in, according to a news release.
The chase continued north on Dayton Pike, at which time the Soddy-Daisy Police Department joined the pursuit. Deputies and officers made several attempts to stop the vehicle, including using a spike trip, but were unsuccessful. Because of safety concerns, the pursuit was ended.
A few minutes later, the vehicle was spotted in Red Bank by police there. Officers pursued the vehicle onto Interstate 75, where they were joined by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies were able to stop the vehicle after it rammed a patrol car.
The driver fled the car on foot but was caught 100 yards away. A female passenger remained at the vehicle.
The driver, Dustin Draughon, was found to be driving on a revoked license for DUI and a warrant for auto theft. He was taken to the Hamilton County Jail and booked on several charges.
The passenger, who deputies determined was an unwilling participant, was released at the scene.
Deputies learned the vehicle had a stolen tag and there was drug paraphernalia inside.