Chattanooga Pulse

A weekly roundup of the newsworthy, notable and often head-scratching stories gleaned from police reports from the Chattanooga Police Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department and the Dalton Police Department.

• One recurring theme in crime is the fact that most criminals just aren’t that smart.  Especially the ones who try to pawn stolen merchandise in plain view of surveillance cameras.  Back on October 23, numerous cars were burglarized in Lakeside.  Thus past week, county detectives received a break in the case as a result of an anonymous tip from the airing of surveillance video obtained from a Soddy Daisy pawn shop. Following up on the lead, detectives arrested a man at his home and recovered numerous suspected stolen items including a hand gun, golf clubs, and electronic devices, along with marijuana and pills. This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

• One of the more bizarre police chases ended on a positive note a day later. A burglary suspect was spotted by city officers last week near Shallowford Village Drive.  When they gave chase, the suspect not only was able to elude pursuit, but was even able to stop briefly to let out his pregnant passenger before continuing to run from the police.  However, officers were able to track the man down the following day and take him into custody.  The man is facing charges of aggravated assault (on police), theft over $10,000, felony reckless endangerment and felony evading. No word on the whereabouts of the pregnant passenger.

• A Bradley County homeowner who was determined not to be a victim has helped authorities solve nine burglaries.  A couple returned home to find a burglar in their bedroom, and after a brief scuffle, one homeowner subdued the burglar and called for deputies. While questioning the 19-year-old suspect, investigators collected enough evidence to solve multiple other crimes in the area. They also developed two more suspects, including the man’s uncle and a 16-year-old juvenile. Police say the three are responsible for thefts of more than $116,000 worth of jewelry, electronics and videogame systems.

• And in another case of, “Smile, you’re on surveillance video”, a pair of Walker County students accused of vandalism at LaFayette Middle School were easily captured.  Police say an18-year-old student at LaFayette High School was caught just before tearing down a security camera. He, and a 7th grader from LaFayette Middle School, are accused of smashing windows, throwing TV sets around and ripping phones from walls. It’s estimated that more than $10,000 dollars in damage was done in the rampage. Both face numerous charges of breaking and entering, vandalism, and destruction of school property.