Chattanooga, TN – A Chattanooga man faces multiple charges after witnesses say he drove on a curb and crashed his car on Highway 27 Saturday afternoon, with a baby in the front seat, according to an affidavit from the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD).
Series of Dangerous Maneuvers Before Crash
Police were first called shortly after 4:30 p.m. by a witness who saw a Silver Toyota Avalon driving on a curb on Rossville Boulevard. The witness told officers that the vehicle nearly rear-ended another car, struck another curb, and then merged onto I-24.
The affidavit states that the car then hit a concrete divider while making its way to Highway 27, swerved off the road, collided with a barrier on the right side, spun, and struck another concrete barrier on the opposite side of the road.
A witness to the crash reportedly told police that they saw a baby “flying inside the car” during the incident.
Baby Suffered Head Injuries
Officers, already searching for the Toyota following the curb-driving reports, quickly arrived at the scene. The driver, identified as David Brown, was detained, and officers found a baby improperly secured in the front seat, suffering head injuries. The child was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Driver’s Statements and Substance Use
When questioned, Brown admitted he had driven on the curb to give the baby a toy. He also claimed that his brakes failed on Highway 27, causing the crash.
Brown told officers he had not been drinking but had snorted hydrocodone. Police reportedly found a straw in his wallet, which Brown admitted was used for drug use. Officers also located bags containing purple and white powder, Xanax pills, and beer cans in the vehicle.
Failed Sobriety Tests and Arrest
Although Brown refused emergency care, he agreed to field sobriety tests, which he failed, leading to his arrest. Authorities also discovered that Brown had been driving on a suspended license at the time of the crash.
Charges Filed
According to online records, Brown faces the following charges:
- Reckless endangerment
- Possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Violating child restraint laws
Police continue to investigate the incident, emphasizing the serious danger posed to the child and other motorists.
What do you think about this alarming crash? Do you believe current DUI and child safety laws are strict enough to prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts, safety tips, and opinions in the comments below.
