11-25-18 Traffic Crash/Fatality - 120 I-75 Southbound

• Vehicle #1, Ford Taurus, was traveling south on Interstate 75 just south of the Interstate 24 split in the left travel lane
• Vehicle #2, Freightliner, was also traveling south on Interstate 75 but in the right travel lane
• Driver of Vehicle #1 failed to maintain lane and drifted into the right lane, rear ending the tractor trailer with enough force to break the ride under protection bar
• Vehicle #1 continued under Vehicle #2 causing fatal injuries to the front seat passenger
• Vehicle #1 then separated from Vehicle #2 and slid into the left guardrail where it came to rest
• One adult passenger in Vehicle #1 suffered serious injuries
• Driver of Vehicle #1 suffered minor injuries
• Two juvenile passengers in Vehicle #1 were not injured
• All surviving parties in Vehicle #1 were transported by Hamilton County EMS to a local hospital
• Driver of Vehicle #2 remained on scene and was not injured
• Driver of Vehicle #1 was charged with multiple counts and transferred to the Hamilton County JailThe investigation will continue in a logical manner

Driver of Vehicle #1:
Ronard Neal (male, 45)

Charges:

Vehicular Homicide by Impairment, Driving on Suspended License, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Aggravated Assault

Deceased:

Shekem Reed (male, 23)

DOB: 12/29/94

Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.

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NOTE: The preceding information is preliminary and is subject to change as the investigation continues.