Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Tommy Wherry arrived to work at Paw Paw's Porch Pet Spa around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, to begin his daily routine. Around 9 a.m., he noticed his vehicle, a yellow Nissan X-Terra, missing, and after asking family members and coworkers of it's whereabouts, Mr. Wherry called dispatch to report it stolen. Dispatch notified officers that a witness at the court house had seen a white male wearing jogging pants and a black hoodie get in the vehicle and drive North on Park Avenue about 10 minutes prior.

While looking for the vehicle, Assistant Police Chief Howard and Investigator Bridges stopped in the roadway to confer about the progress when the suspect drove right by them. Bridges and Howard activated their emergency lights and sirens, but the suspect refused to stop, leading them on a high speed chase through Beverly, Hinson, Kimmins, Smith, and Park where he failed to stop or yield at any intersections

The suspect proceeded down South Park, nearly colliding with a TBI agent's vehicle, as he made his way toward Waynesboro Highway where he wrecked the vehicle on the guardrail going around the curve. He then fled the vehicle, slid down a steep embankment into a dry creek bed. City Officers and County Deputies worked together to search for the suspect. A black hoodie was found outside a residence at 655 Waynesboro Highway, and upon entry into the home of the residences who were out of town, Officers located the suspect, David Chase Hall, inside where he had changed his clothing and put on clothes belonging to the homeowners.

After being transported to the Lewis County Jail, he finally admitted to stealing the car, entering the residence, and using methamphetamine about an hour prior.

Mr. Wherry says he is thankful to the Police and Sheriff's Department for their help and is grateful no one was injured in recovery. He went on to say he knows first hand that everyone is capable of making bad decisions, and he holds nothing against the man and hopes he gets the help he needs from this cry for help.