PRESS RELEASE – On February 26, at approximately 11:00PM, a Dade County Deputy observed a vehicle speeding on Interstate 24, traveling toward Marion County.

After activating the lights and siren on his patrol unit, the vehicle increased it’s speed to approximately 120-125 MPH.

The vehicle continued West on Interstate 24, and attempted to leave the interstate at the Haletown exit. The vehicle struck the guardrail at the end of the exit ramp, causing extensive damage and airbag deployment.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled across the interstate in to the woods, leaving behind his firearm and extended magazine (clip) in the driver’s floorboard.

Another Dade County Deputy arrived on scene and deployed the Sheriff Office’s new drone in to the air, attempting to locate the fleeing suspect.

After conducting an air search for approximately 15-20 minutes using thermal imaging, the suspect was located attempting to swim across a body of water. He was apprehended without incident.

The suspect was found to have active warrants out of Hamilton County, TN for Aggravated Assault, and active warrants out of Catoosa County, GA for Drug Trafficking.

He was taken in to custody by Troopers and Deputies, and will face additional charges relating to the firearm and fleeing. The suspect will also face additional charges relating to fleeing from Dade County Deputies.

The suspect taken in to custody, was Jeremiah Johnson of Ringgold, GA.

A huge thanks to the Marion County Sheriffs Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Chattanooga PD for their assistance.

The above photos are from the Drone Unit, and the suspects apprehension.