Jeffery Dean Gilliam
A Fort Oglethorpe man is facing multiple charges after ramming two police vehicles following a chase that led from Georgia into Chattanooga, then tangling with a police dog.
Jeffery Dean Gilliam, 47, of 2321 Cloud Springs Road, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on police, vandalism, not having insurance, driving without a license, reckless driving, resisting arrest, drug possession, reckless endangerment and cruelty to animals.
He is being held at the Hamilton County Jail on bonds totaling $80,000.
In the incident on Tuesday night, Fort Oglethorpe officers began chasing a white van that went into Tennessee on I-75. The vehicle evaded police at speeds over 100 mph and refused to stop.
The vehicle got off on Ringgold Road, then spike strips were deployed in the East Ridge Tunnel. The van got on I-24 despite having two deflated tires. It quickly exited onto 4th Avenue and then onto 23rd Street.
The van drove into one police vehicle driven by Robert Stockburger, then crossed three lanes of traffic to intentionally strike a second police vehicle driven by officer Michael Trumbo.
Deputy Stockburger then used his police vehicle to forcefully stop the van at E. 23rd Street and Dodds Avenue.
A white female exited the passenger side of the van and was ordered to the ground.
However, the driver, Gilliam, held both hands on the steering wheel and refused to get out of the vehicle. K9 Duco was then placed in the van and bit Gilliam on the right arm while holding him in place. Police said Gilliam then began hitting the dog in the face and body with his left hand.
Gilliam was eventually removed from the van and placed into custody. He was taken to Erlanger Hospital to be checked out, then was taken to jail.
While at the hospital it was discovered that Gilliam had a small bag with 15 white pills in his pocket. Officers also found $180 in cash and 100 small plastic baggies.
Gilliam is set to appear before General Sessions Court Judge Clarence Shattuck on April 7.