A man driving what appeared to be a blue Dodge Charger Scat Pack with 485 horsepower, evidently led authorities on a pursuit through Rutherford County.
The chase started after numerous motorists made calls to 9-1-1 to report a man outside of his vehicle waiving a handgun. The calls came into Rutherford County dispatchers with motorists saying the subject was stopping traffic on I-24 near I-840. The man reportedly got back in his car and led law enforcement on a chase towards Chattanooga.
At one point, the man reached speeds of 130-miles-per-hour as he neared the Beechgrove exit. Back-up was called as the pursuit headed into Bedford County and eventually into Coffee County within a matter of minutes.
Deputies in the area of Manchester, TN blocked all exits on I-24 in an attempt to keep the suspect in view of pursuing officers.
Spike strips were laid across the interstate at mile marker 103 with hopes of stopping the fleeing culprit. However, the strips were not believed to be effective. Spike strips were again deployed at mile marker 112 on I-24.
As the car continued to speed past tractor trailer trucks and weave in and out of traffic, State Troopers from as far away as Chattanooga were notified about the incoming Charger.
By mile marker 114, Rutherford County Deputies backed off as other units took the lead.
The Charger continued to speed at over 130-miles-per-hour, which is why additional counties started to back off for the safety of other motorists once the vehicle reached mile marker 120.
WGNS will have more details on the Wednesday pursuit in newscast to come.
