Armed Suspect Caught Hiding in Barber Chair During Police Chase in Tennessee
Covington, Tenn. — Two men are now in custody following a dramatic police chase that twisted through Downtown Covington on Thursday, culminating in a shocking attempt by one suspect to evade capture by pretending to wait for a haircut inside a local barbershop.
The incident began when a Covington police officer pulled over a vehicle near Highway 51 and Church Street for a broken brake light. During the stop, the situation escalated quickly as the passenger, identified as 24-year-old Damian Lattimore, armed with a rifle painted bright pink, jumped out of the car and fled on foot down West Pleasant Street.
In an unexpected twist, officers tracked Lattimore to 1776 Barbershop Parlor, where he was found sitting calmly in a barber chair, pretending to await a haircut. Police immediately swarmed the barbershop and took him into custody. Lattimore faces charges of evading arrest, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment. The pink rifle was recovered nearby near the water treatment facility, confirming the weapon was abandoned during his flight.
Meanwhile, the vehicle’s driver, 21-year-old Vertavious Barbee, fled the scene but was later apprehended after a coordinated police effort in Ripley, with authorities locating him on Skyline Drive. Barbee was arrested and charged with evading arrest and violating vehicle light laws. His bond was set at $15,000.
High-Speed Chase Shuts Down Downtown Streets
The chase raised immediate concerns for public safety in the heart of Downtown Covington, where pedestrians and local businesses narrowly avoided danger. Police confirm that despite the suspect’s reckless behavior, no civilians or officers were harmed during the incident.
Covington Police Department praised the swift and coordinated response by officers on the scene and collaborating agencies in containing the threat and apprehending both suspects within hours.
Why This Matters Now
This case underscores the persistent challenges law enforcement faces with armed suspects fleeing in populated areas. The bold move to hide in a public space like a barbershop highlights the unpredictable nature of such chases, raising alarms about community safety and the risks placed on innocent bystanders.
Residents in Delaware and across the United States can take note of how local law enforcement agencies are adapting strategies to quickly neutralize dangerous suspects before further harm occurs.
Next Steps for Suspects and Community
Damian Lattimore is awaiting a bond hearing, while Barbee remains in custody with a set bond. Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances of the chase and Lattimore’s possession of the unusual pink rifle.
The Covington Police Department encourages anyone with additional information or footage of the chase to come forward to assist ongoing inquiries.
For Delaware audiences, this story reinforces the importance of vigilance and law enforcement readiness in all communities as similar situations can unfold unexpectedly near home.
Stay tuned to The Delaware Herald for live updates on this developing story.
