Couple nabbed in pursuit suspected in multiple thefts

The Chattanooga Police Department said a multicounty police pursuit and arrest Thursday morning clears multiple cases of auto burglary, auto theft and fraud.

Chasity Gann and Robert Pace were arrested after fleeing law enforcement officers and crashing their stolen car in the 6000 block of Browntown Road, authorities said. CPD spokeswoman Elisa Myzal said a third suspect who ran from the crash scene has been identified and warrants are pending, she said.

The chase started after a Marion County officer on patrol spotted a car and a pair of faces identified by a Chattanooga burglary detective working on auto break-ins at the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center and on Stringer’s Ridge.

Detective Brad Brown distributed the information to area law enforcement Wednesday and Marion Sgt. Jerry Van Allman spotted the suspect vehicle, a stolen 2013 Chrysler 200, early Thursday morning at an apartment complex on River Canyon Road.

The car sped away when Allman tried to stop it, and he followed it into Hamilton County. Chattanooga and Red Bank police along with Hamilton County deputies then got involved, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Matt Lea said in a release.

The runaway car crashed in the 6000 block of Browntown Road, and Gann and Pace were taken into custody.

Gann and Pace also are suspects in other auto burglaries and vandalism in public access park areas in Chattanooga, Marion and Meigs counties, Myzal said.

“Partnerships with surrounding law enforcement agencies are a key element to effectively solving crime,” said CPD Property Crimes Lt. Craig Joel. “This is another great example of how information sharing and communication between agencies can solve a string of crimes across multiple jurisdictions.”

Marion County Sheriff Ronnie “Bo” Burnett said he’ll have some charges to add to the stack of theft, fraud and criminal impersonation charges the pair face in Hamilton County.

The multijurisdictional lawmen “did an outstanding job,” Burnett said. “They may have solved a lot of break-ins over in that area, we hope.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO These are some of the items taken from the burglary suspects’ crashed car Thursday morning. Investigators are trying to identify the owners. Anyone who recognizes any of these items is asked to contact investigator Brad Brown at 423-698-2525.