One man was clearly determined to get away from pursuing police, breaking free from a pair of Taser leads, then trying to make a waterway getaway. But his attempted escape route across the Pigeon River ended when police were waiting on the other side.
According to a Newport Police Department (NPD) incident report from Officer Justin Shelton, it all unfolded when Shelton spotted a vehicle March 23 on East Main Street with a taillight out and no tags that accelerated when Shelton’s vehicle was behind it.
The driver, identified as Daniel Keeslar, 39, stopped his vehicle at Goodwill after Shelton initiated his blue lights, but Keeslar jumped out and attempted to run. Shelton reports he chased Keeslar around the building to the train tracks and gave commands to Keeslar to stop running or he would be tased.
Keeslar continued to run and Shelton deployed his Taser and struck Keeslar with both Taser leads but it was not effective as Keeslar continued to run
Shelton reports Keeslar then jumped into the Pigeon River and crossed it, however, by this time NPD Sgt. Mike Robey had made it to the other side of the river and was able to apprehend Keeslar.
Seven grams of suspected methamphetamine were found on Keeslar in addition to large amounts of syringes, scales, burnt tin foil and several bags according to the report. Keeslar also had $300 in cash, all in $20 bills, wrapped up in his pocket. His driver’s license was also found to be suspended.
Keeslar was charged with evading arrest, manufacture, deliver, sell schedule II, unlawful drug paraphernalia driving while license was suspended, removal of decal or plate and light law violation.
He was transported to the Cocke County Jail Annex and medical staff removed the Taser prongs from Keeslar.
According to the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office, Keeslar’s bond was set at $20,000.
Most Popular
Comments / 0