Chattanooga man drives stolen car to court, HCSO says

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A man arrested for a theft was found to have also stolen a car out of Chattanooga, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

Authorities arrested Patrick Harlow, 36, while he was at the Hamilton County Courts Building. The HCSO arrested him for an unrelated theft case.

Patrick Harlow / HCSO

At around 10 a.m., HCSO Deputy Josh Winters was on his way to court when his automated license plate reader alerted him to a potential stolen car. The car was parked in front of the court building on the corner of 6th and Cherry Street.

The deputy confirmed the vehicle was stolen out of the Chattanooga city limits.

While investigating, Deputy Harlow found a Tennessee identification card in the center console of the car. That ID belonged to Harlow.

According to the sheriff’s office, “While being taken into custody, Harlow refused to tell court deputies what vehicle he drove to court.”

In addition to his unrelated theft charge, Harlow now faces an additional charge for theft of property of more than $10,000.

According to online records from the HCSO, Harlow was arrested back in May of 2023 for theft as well.

“This is yet another positive example of how the HCSO is successfully utilizing technology to improve the efficiency of our law enforcement operations and successfully investigate and deter criminal activity in Hamilton County,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “This incident also highlights just how brazen criminals in this county can be by thinking they can drive a stolen vehicle to court. Our use of technology, combined with the training and professionalism of our deputies, showcases how the men and women of the HCSO are #LeadingtheWay in law enforcement operations in Hamilton County.”