NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, Texas — A Tennessee man accused of leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit through several school zones now faces multiple felony charges.
Christopher Michael Chaney, 41, of Tennessee, was booked into Nacogdoches County Jail on Tuesday for possession of a controlled substance, evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and tampering with physical evidence, as well as a state-jail felony for possession of marijuana.
Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office said a deputy on patrol near the Central Heights school zone on U.S 259 attempted to pull Chaney over for speeding and an obscured licence plate aroung 7:15 a.m. Cheney allegedly fled south at speeds reaching 120 mph.
NCSO deputies, Nacogdoches Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety pursued Chaney southbound on the loop. As the pursuit continued, Chaney was reportedly observed throwing items from his car along U.S 59.
Shelby County law enforcement was contacted as the chase continued through Timpson onto State Hwy. 87 before coming to a conclusion near the intersection with FM 415 in Shelby County, where Chaney surrendered to law enforcement.
Deputies retraced the route of the pursuit and found suspected methamphetamine, prescription pills and a firearm, which Cheney admitted to throwing out of the vehicle. An additional 1.8 lbs of marijuana was discovered in Cheney's vehicle.
"The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Nacogdoches Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Precinct One Constable’s Office, and Shelby County authorities for their assistance in this incident," the NCSO said.
Cheney remains in Nacogdoches County Jail on bonds totaling $90,000. NCSO is continuing to investigate the incident.