Armed Suspect Hides in Barber Chair to Avoid Arrest in Downtown Covington Chase
Covington, Tenn. — A dramatic police chase ended with two men arrested after one suspect, armed with a rifle, tried to evade police by blending in as a barber shop customer in Downtown Covington Thursday.
The chaotic pursuit began when a Covington police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a broken brake light near Highway 51 and Church Street. After the vehicle stopped, the passenger, 24-year-old Damian Lattimore, jumped out armed with a pink rifle and fled on foot down West Pleasant Street.
Desperate Hideout Inside Barbershop
Police officers quickly surrounded the nearby 1776 Barbershop Parlor, where officers found Lattimore sitting in a barber chair pretending to be waiting for a haircut. This unusual attempt to blend in temporarily halted the manhunt but only briefly.
Authorities arrested Lattimore and charged him with evading arrest, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment. The pink rifle was discovered discarded in the grass near a local water treatment facility.
Driver Flees in Vehicle but Captured by Ripley Police
Meanwhile, the vehicle’s driver, identified as 21-year-old Vertavious Barbee, fled the scene. Law enforcement in Ripley tracked Barbee down on Skyline Drive and took him into custody without further incident.
Barbee faces charges of evading arrest and violation of light law. His bond has been set at $15,000.
Why This Incident Matters Now
This intense chase and unusual method of evasion highlight ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with armed suspects willing to risk public safety to avoid arrest. The case shines a spotlight on violent confrontations that can erupt unexpectedly in small communities.
Authorities say the swift response and coordination between Covington and Ripley police prevented potential escalation and ensured the suspects faced justice.
What’s Next
Lattimore is currently awaiting a bond hearing. Police investigations remain ongoing as authorities review the full circumstances behind the flight and the suspects’ intentions during the chase.
This story remains developing. The Nevada Voice will provide updates as more information becomes available.
