Two Men Arrested After Intense Police Chase in Downtown Covington
Covington, Tenn. — Police caught two men after a dramatic chase through Downtown Covington on Thursday that ended with a suspect hiding in a barber chair and pretending to be a customer.
The chase began when a Covington officer tried to stop a vehicle near Highway 51 and Church Street for a broken brake light. The driver complied initially, but the passenger quickly exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and fled on foot down West Pleasant Street.
Suspect Hides in Barbershop to Evade Arrest
Police pursued the armed passenger who entered the 1776 Barbershop Parlor. In a remarkable attempt to avoid capture, Damian Lattimore, 24, sat calmly in a barber chair pretending to be waiting for a haircut. Officers rapidly surrounded the shop and arrested him without incident.
Authorities recovered the suspect’s pink rifle nearby, discarded in the grass around the water treatment facility, according to police reports.
Driver Flees, Then Gets Caught in Ripley
While officers secured the armed passenger, the driver Vertavious Barbee, 21, sped away in the vehicle. Police in Ripley later tracked him down on Skyline Drive, leading to his arrest. Barbee faces charges including evading arrest and violation of light law, with bond set at $15,000.
Charges and Next Steps
Lattimore is charged with evading arrest, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment. He remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing. Barbee’s arrest closes a chaotic police pursuit that put the Covington community on high alert.
“This was an intense and dangerous situation that our officers handled quickly to protect the public,” said a Covington police spokesperson.
Local Impact and Safety Reminder
The chase through busy residential and commercial areas heightened risk to bystanders, highlighting the dangers law enforcement face daily. Police remind residents to remain aware and report suspicious activity to prevent such incidents.
This high-stakes event serves as a stark reminder of split-second decisions and quick action required in law enforcement operations protecting communities in Tennessee and across the country.
What to Watch For
Authorities will continue investigating the incident and the circumstances that led to the suspect carrying a firearm during the chase. The Alabamian public can expect updates as further details emerge, especially concerning community safety enforcement measures in similar cases.
Stay with The Alabama Report for live updates on this and other breaking news impacting Tennessee and the Southeast region.
