CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Three wanted fugitives were arrested at a Chattanooga motel after Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies tracked down the driver who fled a traffic stop and discovered two additional suspects with outstanding warrants hiding in the same room.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, a traffic investigator attempted to stop a vehicle on July 22 after observing the driver exhibiting signs of impaired driving while traveling south on Highway 153.
Authorities said the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit. Deputies later terminated the chase because of the suspect’s reckless driving and heavy traffic near the Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 interchange.
A short time later, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Caldwell located the abandoned vehicle parked at McKay’s Bookstore.
Using investigative leads, Hamilton County deputies focused their search on a room at America’s Best Inn, located across the street from where the vehicle had been abandoned. Deputies found the suspected driver hiding under a bed inside the room. Investigators also recovered the vehicle’s key.
Two additional wanted fugitives, who authorities said were not involved in the pursuit, were also found inside the room.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful operation to the coordinated efforts of its Patrol, Traffic, K-9, Criminal Warrants and Crime Analysis units, along with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Nikkarra Crisp was arrested on two active Sessions Court warrants charging Aggravated Burglary and Theft of Property. She also faces new charges of Felony Evading Arrest, DUI (Second Offense), Evading Arrest, Reckless Driving, Failure to Exercise Due Care, Speeding and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.
Brando Moates was arrested on six active Sessions Court warrants charging Theft of Property, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Go Armed and Aggravated Burglary. He also had four active Criminal Court warrants for Possession of Methamphetamine for Resale, Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Manufacture, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Violent Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Bahja Fox was arrested on an active Sessions Court warrant for Aggravated Burglary. Authorities said Fox also had active warrants from the City of East Ridge for Forgery and Theft Over $2,500.
All three suspects were transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing.
