Authorities say back on June 22nd, 32 year old Justin Barnes, of Rockwood, Tennessee, stole his father’s 2018 Chevrolet Equinox after attempting to burn the home of his ex-employer. The father, Arnold Barnes, told authorities that his son had some issues going on in his life, and that he was on route to his old boss’s home for “no good reason”.
After attempting arson on the home, Justin was spotted by deputies headed North on Highway 127 near Bear Trace Golf Course. Barnes did not pull over, resulting in a police chase. The pursuit continued outbound on Highway 68 into Rhea County exceeding speeds of 100 mph. Rhea County Deputies were able to successfully deploy spike strips before the entrance of Spring City, resulting in the removal of Barnes’s front-left tire. Inside the vehicle was 2 Bud Light beer bottles filled with gasoline and covered with cuts of green shirt fabric known as a “molotov cocktail”.
Mr. Barnes was charged with aggravated arson, vehicle evading, and reckless driving. His bond is valued at $177,000.