MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is facing charges after police said he drove through a road barricade as authorities were responding to a massive fire late Thursday night on Mallory Avenue, just off Interstate 55.
Memphis police officers were on the scene when the suspect passed through the blockade just before midnight on Oct. 17, 2024, heading north on I-55 and nearly hitting a state trooper head on. The driver ignored officers' attempts to stop him and a chase began.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee High Patrol said the suspect did not hit the state trooper or a patrol vehicle. Troopers pursued the suspect briefly before allowing MPD to take over the situation.
Officers finally stopped the suspect at South Parkway East and Humber Street, two exits down from the fire scene. The suspect refused to exit his vehicle and officers forced him onto the ground, where the man continued to struggle with officers. Eventually, he was taken into custody.
Police found marijuana packaged in a big clear bag sitting in on the front passenger seat. Upon a further search, they found more marijuana inside.
The suspect has been charged with failure to obey traffic officer, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, evading arrest, possession of a controlled substance, evading arrest in a vehicle, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.