THP: Man arrested after pursuit in Washington, Unicoi counties

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man is facing charges after a police chase that began in Washington County and ended in Unicoi County on Friday.

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) troopers attempted to pull over a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee on State Route 67 as it was pulling onto Casey Lane, but the vehicle fled between houses and went back onto SR 67, according to the THP.

State troopers report the Jeep continued onto Dry Creek Road and Highway 81, where it ran across spikes set up by the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office and Erwin Police Department, puncturing three of the vehicle’s tires.

The Jeep then continued into Erwin on three flat tires but crashed head-on into another vehicle while attempting to turn right at Main Street, according to the THP.

The highway patrol said James N. Roberts, 22, was arrested and charged with stolen motor vehicle possession, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and evading arrest.

A passenger in the Jeep was not charged, according to the THP.

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