3 arrested during 2 a.m. chase



A 2 a.m. chase on Short Mountain resulted in the arrest of a trio of suspects on drug related charges.

Deputy Derrick Morrison was conducting an extra patrol on Firetower Road when he encountered a white Chevy Impala on the gravel "S" curves near the top of Short Mountain.

Morrison hit his blue lights and the suspect vehicle began to back up slowly until it reached a small turn-around spot.

"As I began to exit my vehicle to speak with the driver, it began to drive off. I immediately initiated my siren and then turned them right back off to signal to the driver I wanted them to stop," Morrison reported.

"The driver immediately hit the gas and fled," the officer said. Morrison began pursuit as the Chevy continued to accelerate.

The deputy notified dispatch and requested backup as the vehicle continued down Firetower Road and then turned onto Gunter Hollow Road.

"I noticed the passenger in the front of the vehicle throwing things out the window that I believed to possibly be drugs," he said.

"The vehicle made a left turn onto Short Mountain Road and then another left onto Pea Ridge Road. The vehicle continued to accelerate and drive erratically," Morrison said.

The car slowed down to turn onto Big Hill Road with Morrison directing backup as the vehicle turned onto Gassaway Road, headed towards Stones River Road where officers were able to box it in.

Deputies Brandon King, Josh Thomas and Chief Deputy Anthony Young responded to the call and helped Morrison take the three suspects into custody.

Suspect Justin Thomas was driving, Alyssa Coleman was in the front passengers seat and Tyler Thomas was seated in the back seat.

"A search of the vehicle was done because the passenger, Ms. Coleman, was throwing what appeared to be drugs from the window during the pursuit," Morrison said. "During the search, multiple syringes were found as well as ammunition, a magazine for a handgun, and syringes loaded with methamphetamine."

Ms. Coleman admitted throwing a handgun out the window while officers were in pursuit.

The three suspects were transported to the Cannon County Jail, while Chief Deputy Young and Deputy King went back to Gunter Hollow Road to search for the gun. It was discovered and entered into evidence.

The threesome was charged with felony drug charges and with possession of drug paraphernalia. Hearings are set for May 2 in General Sessions Court.