For Immediate Release: January 3, 2024

HCSO Deputies Involved in Pursuit with Juveniles, Firearm Recovered

Hamilton County, TN – On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 12 A.M., a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Bonny Oaks Drive. The vehicle was occupied by five to six individuals, most of whom appeared to be juveniles. The vehicle fled when the HCSO Deputy attempted the traffic stop, reaching speeds of approximately 90 mph.

During the brief pursuit, the vehicle slowed down and a few occupants bailed out of the vehicle three separate times and the suspects attempted to flee. At least one juvenile was seen jumping out of the vehicle with a firearm in their hand. The vehicle was eventually stopped after passing through several streets, and the juvenile driver was taken into custody. An adult passenger was also detained and released. Upon searching the vehicle, a loaded handgun was found in the floorboard behind the driver’s seat. HCSO deputies also noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the suspects.

No parties appeared to be injured and no damage was reported to the vehicles involved in the pursuit. A ground search was conducted for the juvenile(s) who bailed from the vehicle with a firearm but was not successful.

The driver was placed in custody and transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. Once cleared, they were transported to Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. The driver is charged with the following:

- DUI

- Felony Evading

- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

- Possession of a Firearm while Intoxicated

- Speeding

- Stop Sign Violation

- Reckless Endangerment

- Driving without a valid license

As this incident pertains to juveniles, no further information is available at this time.