Crime & Safety
Knox County, TN Chase: Driver Flees Deputies, Meth Found
KNOXVILLE, TN — A traffic stop along Interstate 75 in Knox County escalated into a police pursuit, ending with a suspect in custody and approximately 2.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine recovered
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-10-14T00:11:51.552Z
KNOXVILLE, TN — A traffic stop along Interstate 75 in Knox County escalated into a police pursuit, ending with a suspect in custody and approximately 2.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine recovered from a vehicle, authorities announced.
According to the Knox County Sheriff 's Office, deputies assigned to the Charlie Shift attempted to stop a vehicle traveling northbound on I 75 near Merchants Drive after observing the driver allegedly failing to maintain a lane.
Instead of stopping, the driver fled, prompting deputies to pursue the vehicle through the area.
The pursuit continued along Central Avenue Pike before the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and came to a stop near Glenwood Baptist Church.
Authorities said the suspect then exited the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot.
Deputy Bagwell pursued the individual and apprehended the suspect following a brief foot chase.
During a subsequent inventory of the vehicle, deputies reported discovering approximately 2.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, equivalent to roughly 77 grams.
The substance was described as suspected methamphetamine, and the Sheriff's Office did not indicate whether laboratory testing had confirmed its identity.
Officials did not release the suspect's name, age or specific criminal charges in the announcement.
The department also did not report whether anyone was injured during the vehicle pursuit or subsequent foot chase.
The Sheriff's Office credited Deputy Bagwell, Deputy Herman, Sgt. Saah and Lt. Gore for their coordination during the incident.
Sheriff Brent Gibson praised the deputies' efforts and reaffirmed the department's commitment to addressing illegal drugs and public safety concerns throughout Knox County.
The incident began on a major interstate corridor serving the Knoxville metropolitan area before ending on local roads.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact date or time of the pursuit, and additional details about the suspect's court proceedings were not immediately available in the release.