Chattanooga, TN – On March 12, 2025, Chattanooga Police Department officers responded to a vehicle theft report at an EPB building located in the 1000 block of Central Avenue. A description of the stolen vehicle was promptly broadcast to all officers in the area.
A CPD officer located the stolen vehicle in the 3100 block of Dodds Avenue and initiated a traffic stop. Initially, the driver complied, but suddenly attempted to flee.
During the stop, the driver reportedly attempted to strike a CPD officer with the vehicle. The suspect then evaded arrest, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended when CPD and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) officers were able to stop the vehicle in the 300 block of Highway 153 southbound. The driver was identified as 27-year-old Brett Ellis.
Ellis was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Aggravated Assault on Police, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Auto Theft, and Felony Evading Arrest. He was subsequently transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
As the investigation continues, authorities caution that these charges are merely accusations and not evidence of criminal conduct. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.