Chase ends in crash into BBQ Restaurant
Restaurant and a civilian vehicle suffer damage from crash
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A police chase this morning ended when the suspect crashed into a BBQ restaurant in East Chattanooga.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says it started with a traffic stop on Glenwood Drive around 9 AM.
A School Resource Officer says he saw a Ford Fusion passing vehicles by pulling into oncoming traffic.
The driver, Andre Blocker, pulled over.
But the officer says he gave a false name and couldn’t produce a drivers license.
He says when he asked the driver to get out of the vehicle, the suspect reached for a gun in the console.
The lieutenant says he challenged the driver, who put the car into drive and sped off.
The pursuit headed down Glenwood Avenue and onto North Chamberlain Street.
The fleeing car hit another vehicle near Ocoee Street, injuring the other driver.
Blocker lost control of his car and hit the brick column of the restaurant on Ocoee.
Police say Blocker fled on foot and ran behind a daycare.
Officials locked the daycare down and began a search that located the suspect a few minutes later.
Officers recovered the gun from the vehicle and found it was loaded with a round in the chamber.
“This incident, which began as a traffic stop, is yet another example of how our deputies stand ready to protect our community and illustrates how quickly an incident can escalate. Our deputies face danger on a daily basis and when situations like this occur, they are able to respond quickly and professionally thanks to their high level of training and experience. Fortunately, this situation ended without anyone being seriously injured or killed,” stated Chief Deputy Austin Garrett.
Blocker faces the following charges:
• Reckless Driving
• No Driver’s License
• Criminal Impersonation
• Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of Felony
• Evading Arrest
• Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
He also has an active warrant for a Probation Violation.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the wrecks involving the civilian vehicle and the restaurant.
from Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
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