Chattanooga man sentenced to 21 years after high-speed chase

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man who sent law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase last year is now facing 21 years in prison.

Michael Benning (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

Judge Scott Minter sentenced Michael Makale Benning to serve 21 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The trail lasted two days. On June 27, a jury found Benning guilty on charges of felony fleeing to elude, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and driving on a revoked license.

The incident happened on September 22, 2022.

Benning recklessly fled from officers on I-75, reaching speeds of more than 120 mph, according to a Whitfield County press release. A state trooper performed a P.I.T maneuver to stop Benning, getting injured in the process.

Gordon County deputies caught Benning during a foot chase and they found him hiding behind a tree, Whitfield officials said.

In his vehicle, a trooper found a large amount of marijuana, “consistent with the intent to distribute it.”