Chattanooga, TN – 3 Injured in 5-Car Pileup on I 75 South near East Brainerd Road

Chattanooga, TN (September 5, 2023) – Three individuals suffered injuries when a runaway shoplifter triggered a harrowing five-car collision on I-75 South in Chattanooga on Tuesday, September 5th, prompting a three-hour closure of the interstate, according to local law enforcement.

The incident occurred when a vigilant Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) officer identified a black Nissan Armada suspected of involvement in a store theft. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the Interstate near East Brainerd Road, just minutes before 6:30 p.m.

In a frantic attempt to escape the authorities, the 28-year-old woman behind the wheel of the Nissan recklessly changed lanes and pulled away, culminating in a devastating collision that involved five other vehicles, as reported by the CPD.

Both the woman driving the Nissan and a passenger in her vehicle were swiftly transported to the hospital, although their injuries were fortunately not life-threatening, CPD confirmed. Another vehicle’s occupant was also taken to the hospital with injuries.

Three of the involved vehicles, including the Nissan, required towing from the accident scene, while the others remained operational, enabling them to be driven away.

The CPD continues its active investigation into the incident, with pending charges on the horizon.

Our thoughts are with the injured individuals, and we hope for their speedy recovery.