On Thursday evening at approximately 6:15p.m., Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the downtown area special patrol initiative observed a vehicle driving erratically near the 1200 block of Market Street. A traffic stop was attempted due to the suspect coming dangerously close to pedestrians who were in the crosswalk.
The vehicle kept driving and a pursuit ensued, the suspect continued to drive erratically as though they were intoxicated. Two more HCSO patrol units joined the pursuit as the chase led down Holtzclaw and McCallie Avenue. Due to the suspect driving in such a reckless manner, an attempt was made to box the suspect in.
The suspect attempted to ram into one of the deputy’s vehicles and while swerving hit another HCSO patrol vehicle, without stopping. The pursuit continued and the suspect began driving into the opposing lane of traffic. Shortly after this, one of the HCSO deputies was able to successfully conduct a PIT maneuver on the trailer that the suspect was pulling, causing their vehicle to leave the roadway and come to a stop.
The suspect was apprehended without further incident and taken into custody. EMS was called to evaluate the suspect for any potential injuries, and after being cleared was transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
The suspect, Eric Johnson, is charged with the following:
- Aggravated Assault on Police (X2)
- Felony Evading
- Reckless Endangerment
- Failure to Yield to pedestrians in crosswalk.
- Light Law Violation
- DUI
- Driving on Revoked license
- Financial responsibility
- Reckless Driving
- Stop Sign Violation
- Red Light Violation
- Vandalism (X3)
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash
- Improper Passing
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Felony Warrant for Violation of Sex Offender Registry
