Two Men Nabbed After High-Speed Chase Ends With Armed Suspect Hiding in Barber Chair
Covington, Tenn. — A tense police chase unfolded Thursday in Downtown Covington, ending with one suspect daringly disguising himself as a barber shop customer.
The incident began when Covington police attempted to pull over a vehicle near Highway 51 and Church Street for a broken brake light. After stopping, the passenger, later identified as 24-year-old Damian Lattimore, exited the car carrying a rifle and bolted down West Pleasant Street.
In a surprising move, Lattimore entered 1776 Barbershop Parlor and sat in a barber chair pretending to wait for a haircut. Police quickly surrounded the shop and arrested him without further incident. Officers recovered a pink rifle discarded nearby near the water treatment facility.
Lattimore faces charges of evading arrest, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment. He is currently awaiting a bond hearing.
Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle, identified as 21-year-old Vertavious Barbee, fled the scene. Ripley police tracked Barbee down on Skyline Drive and took him into custody. He was charged with evading arrest and violating light law, with bond set at $15,000.
Police Chase Highlights Dangers of Vehicle and Armed Crime in Small Towns
This high-profile pursuit reveals ongoing risks law enforcement faces, even in smaller communities like Covington. The desperate attempt by Lattimore to conceal himself inside a business highlights suspects’ unpredictable tactics during chases.
Police officials have stated that both arrests were made without further harm to bystanders or officers. The quick capture prevented potential escalation, underscoring the effectiveness of coordinated police response across city lines as Ripley PD aided Covington officers.
What Comes Next
Authorities are expected to present the evidence formally in upcoming hearings to ensure both men face the full legal consequences of their actions. Local leaders emphasize ongoing public safety improvements and urge residents to report suspicious behavior promptly.
Residents in Ohio and beyond can take note as similar scenarios—armed suspects fleeing police—continue to raise public safety concerns nationwide. The collaboration between jurisdictions during this chase serves as a model for rapid response and inter-agency cooperation.
“Our priority is protecting our community and ensuring such dangerous incidents are swiftly contained,” said a Covington police spokesperson.
Stay tuned to The Ohio Observer for live updates and detailed coverage as this case develops.
