STAFF REPORT

A head-on collision Sunday night claimed the life of a Chattanooga man and injured two others.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol identified the deceased man as Thomas Taylor, 31, of Chattanooga.

According to information released by the THP, the accident happened around 11:04 p.m. Sunday on Highway 19E, near the intersection of Gap Creek Road.

Taylor was driving a 2004 BMW 525I northbound in lane one on Highway 19E when hit head on by a 1999 Lincoln Town Car driven by Charles Richardson. Richardson was traveling in the wrong direction (southbound) in lane one of the northbound lanes at an excessive rate of speed. Richardson had previously fled from a traffic stop from the Elizabethton Police Department. He maintained his reckless driving after the pursuit was terminated.

Charges are pending at this time.