Chattanooga, TN – A high-speed pursuit involving the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattanooga Police Department ended Thursday afternoon with the arrest of a suspect who fled into a restricted federal property.
The incident began around 1:35 p.m. on June 5, 2025, when Chattanooga police officers were in pursuit of a wanted individual traveling south on Interstate 75. The suspect, later identified as Scott Gooden, 35, of Rutherford County, was reportedly the subject of multiple outstanding warrants. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit as it continued into their jurisdiction.
The chase came to an end near the Riverpark area off Amnicola Highway, where HCSO deputies performed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, successfully disabling the vehicle. Gooden then fled on foot, jumped a fence, and entered the restricted grounds of the Chattanooga Navy Operations Center. He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
Gooden was transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. He now faces several charges, including evading arrest, reckless driving, resisting arrest, aggravated criminal trespass, and aggravated burglary. Authorities also confirmed that he had existing warrants from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, including two counts of aggravated stalking, violation of an order of protection, and retaliation for past actions.
In a statement following the arrest, Sheriff Austin Garrett commended the cooperation between agencies and underscored the importance of interagency coordination. “This was a joint pursuit and apprehension highlighting the partnership between the HCSO and the Chattanooga Police Department,” Garrett said. “There’s a common phrase: you can’t outrun a radio. However, in Hamilton County, you won’t outrun the partnerships between law enforcement agencies and our shared commitment to keeping our county safe.”
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Authorities have not released additional information at this time.