Former Chattanooga basketball player Tedrick Washington Jr. was arrested following a high-speed police chase in Arkansas, with video showing a state trooper pulling him by his dreadlocks and punching him in the face during the encounter.
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Washington, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was charged with obstruction of governmental operations and resisting arrest.
The Aug. 19 incident began when Arkansas State Police Trooper Theodore Henderson reported clocking an SUV traveling 82 mph in a 60-mph zone near Blytheville.
According to police records obtained by NEA Report, the driver allegedly accelerated after Henderson activated his emergency lights. Henderson reported the SUV eventually reached 130 mph, while he drove at speeds exceeding 140 mph during the pursuit.
Police ultimately stopped the vehicle after deploying spike strips and using a tactical vehicle intervention.
Video shows Henderson breaking a rear window with a baton and ordering Washington to crawl out. Henderson then grabbed Washington by his wrist and dreadlocks while attempting to pull him through the opening.
Henderson reported that Washington pulled away and "postured up" as though preparing to strike him. Video then shows Henderson punching Washington in the face.
After Washington was pulled from the vehicle, Henderson reported striking him a second time during a struggle on the ground as officers attempted to handcuff him.
Washington was later released on bond.
"Appreciate everybody for checking in I'm doing fine!!" Washington wrote on Facebook. "Justice will be served I want my story be heard!!!"
Washington joined Chattanooga as a transfer in 2025 and appeared in 31 games, making 20 starts.
The driver, Adonerus Johnson, was arrested on multiple charges, including felony fleeing and DWI. Police said his breath samples registered 0.17.
The released records reportedly did not include a separate Arkansas State Police administrative finding on Henderson's use of force.
