According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On Friday, June 16th, 2023, at 4:30 AM, Deputies received reports of a drone sighting at Hays State Prison. GDC officials report that drones are constantly used to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the prion grounds. According to the report, Corporal Fielding and Deputy Garmany responded to the call and noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area of Greeson Street and Moore Street. The vehicle was sitting behind a store with its lights completely off and was occupied by one individual for a short time and later a pair of men. As the vehicle left the area, deputies initiated a traffic stop. Hays State Prison officers arrived on scene of the traffic stop shortly afterward. When officers attempted to make contact with the individuals in the vehicle, the vehicle fled the area heading northbound on Highway 27 in speeds excess of 90 mph. The vehicle then made a U-turn near Halls Valley Road and went southbound on Hwy. 27 until eventually stopping near Mountain View Road in Trion. Deputies had both occupants exit the vehicle at gunpoint and a drone was located and seized from the vehicle. The driver, Andre Dawayne Thomas, 23, of Chattanooga, TN, was arrested and booked into the Chattooga County Jail. Thomas was charged with for felony fleeing, speeding, and reckless driving. Further charges are pending following a investigation by Hays State Prison authorities.
Chattanooga man leads deputies on high-speed chase after drone spotted flying over Hays State Prison
