Chattanoogan.com – Breaking News
Address:http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_18048.asp
February 16, 2002

Man Fleeing Police Runs Into House, Is Shot By Homeowner posted February
16, 2002

An East Ridge Police officer chased a suspect early Saturday morning,
who ran into a house and was shot by the homeowner.

John Sentell of the East Ridge Police said the unidentified officer
observed a White Oldsmobile driving in such a way that the officer
thought the driver may be driving while intoxicated.

He said the officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 3200 block
of Gleason Drive which was also the location of an apartment complex
known as the Ridgeview Point Apartments.

While the officer was talking with the driver of the vehicle, the
passenger jumped out of the car and began running. The officer began
chasing the passenger through the parking lot and into a section of
apartments.

The passenger of the vehicle who began running, Derrick Middlebrooks,
ran to an apartment thinking it was the apartment of a family member,
kicked in the front door and ran inside screaming.

Officer Sentell said, “The homeowner inside was asleep and woke up. He
told Middlebrooks to leave and that he had a gun. Middlebrooks ran
towards the bedroom where the homeowner was at, still screaming, and the
homeowner told Middlebrooks again to leave.
The homeowner fired a .22 caliber pistol once hitting Middlebrooks in
the left shoulder.”

He said the police officer heard the shot being fired and was waiting
for back up before entering the apartment. Middlebrooks then ran out of
the apartment after being shot. Police then took him into custody.

Middlebrooks was transported to Erlanger Hospital where he was taken to
the operating room.

The driver of the vehicle, Eric Neely, was transported to the East Ridge
Police Department for questioning.

Officer Sentell said Hamilton County had warrants on Neely and came to
the East Ridge Police Department to serve the warrants.

He said Middlebrooks had a number of warrants out of Hamilton County
which included domestic assault and probation violation. He was being
charged with aggravated burglary and evading arrest.

[email protected] (423) 266-2325
? 2002

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