On Friday while evading arrest, Shannon Pettigrew, 34, took law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through Camden, ending in a three-car crash involving two police cruisers.
The pursuit began after Chief Deputy Jason Lowery and 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force Agent Bert Wells noticed a strange vehicle pull alongside of them as they worked surveillance in Eva. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Pettigrew, rolled down his window and pointed a handgun in their direction. The two law enforcement officials immediately drew their weapons and the suspect fled. A high-speed chase ensued down several side streets.
City and county officials finally ended the pursuit at the intersection of Mt. Carmel Rd. and Robertson Ave., by a using the pursuit intervention technique, known as the PIT.
Police Chief George Smith said that Police Officer Kenneth Beal was in the vehicle that took hood and front bumper damage. He was treated for knee injuries. Deputy Bobby Ferguson was in the county vehicle that spun the suspect’s car around. He was not injured.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol worked the scene.
Sheriff Kenny Christopher said, “I am beyond proud of my deputies and also the city officers. They really know how to pull together and work as a team. I’m also very proud that they worked professionally to keep each other safe in this pursuit.”
Pettigrew is being held in the Benton County Jail on a $250,000 bond and being charged with, aggravated assault on an officer x2, unlawful possession of a weapon, evading arrest by motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, criminal simulation, driving on revoked/suspended license, possession of schedule VI with intent, possession of schedule IV with intent, unlawful drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm during felony, and tampering with evidence.
