Chattanooga, TN – A 39-year-old man, identified as Jabarri Napier, was arrested early Sunday morning after leading deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office on a high-speed chase that ended with violent resistance at the scene and the Hamilton County Jail.
The High-Speed Pursuit
According to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News, Napier was driving north on Highway 58 with an expired registration. Deputies activated their emergency lights to pull him over, but he continued driving north, crossing lanes and showing signs of potential impairment. During the chase, Napier threw a metallic cylinder out of the driver’s side window, later determined to contain alcohol.
The pursuit reached speeds of 70 MPH, prompting a deputy to use the PIT maneuver, which caused Napier’s vehicle to cross the median into the southbound lane before finally coming to rest in the median.
Resistance at the Scene
When deputies approached the vehicle, Napier was slow and reluctant to show his hands and refused to unlock the door. Officers smashed the driver-side window to remove him, but he resisted violently. Deputies used pepper spray, but Napier kicked a deputy and ignored attempts to use a Taser before being placed in handcuffs.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered an open container of alcohol matching the one Napier had thrown from the car. Officers reported that he appeared intoxicated and emitted a strong odor of alcohol. He initially refused to identify himself, though deputies later located his driver’s license in the car.
Struggle During Booking
While being escorted to the patrol car, Napier continued kicking and resisting, even spitting on a lieutenant. At the Hamilton County Jail, he struck a deputy in the groin and had to be restrained to a bench. Napier refused consent for a blood draw, prompting deputies to obtain a warrant; blood was drawn around 7:00 a.m. for analysis.
Charges Filed
Napier now faces multiple charges, including:
- Expired registration
- Speeding at 70 MPH in a 55 MPH zone
- Driving left of center line
- Evading arrest
- Criminal littering
- Tampering with or fabricating evidence
- Resisting arrest or obstruction of legal process
- Driving on revoked, suspended, or canceled license
- Implied consent law violations
- Open container law violations
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to exercise due care
- Reckless endangerment
- Reckless driving
- Assault on first responders (5 counts)
Court Appearance
Napier is scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Court on Monday, Sept. 22. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the results of the blood alcohol analysis could affect the outcome.
What do you think about this dangerous high-speed chase and Napier’s violent behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
