Catoosa County Sheriff Phil Summers said two children of a man being chased by deputies have been found, but the man is still at large.
Sheriff Summers said at approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday, an officer with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle on Highway 151 (Alabama Highway) in the Woodstation Community. The officer was attempting the traffic stop due to the erratic driving of the operator of the motor vehicle, it was stated.
The suspect, driving a gray Nissan Sentra, refused to stop in the vicinity of Yates Springs Road. He drove his vehicle off the road through a fence and eluded the officer. During a search in the area, the vehicle was located after the suspect had driven his vehicle through a pasture and then escaped on foot.
During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was Brandon Edward Bowie, 22, of 2213 Dublin Dr., Maryville, Tn.
Sheriff Summers said, "The concern of law enforcement was that it was revealed that Bowie was believed to possess his two young children, ages two and three, at the time he eluded the officer attempting the traffic stop."
A search continued of the area involving a Georgia State Patrol helicopter and Lifeforce from Erlanger until approximately 4 a.m. The father and two small children were not located during the ground search.
Before noon on Friday, the two small children were located at a McDonald’s restaurant in Ringgold by law enforcement officers who were preparing to eat lunch. A civilian reported that when the officers entered the restaurant, a young white male, believed to be the father, exited the restaurant leaving behind the two small children.
The children (a boy and a girl) were taken in by officers and appear to be in good physical condition, the sheriff said.
A search was underway for Brandon Bowie in the Ringgold area.
Warrants have been issued for him for child endangerment (two counts), cruelty to children (two counts), reckless conduct (two counts), criminal trespass and traffic offenses.