Pursuit terminated, warrants issued after man tosses objects, travels wrong way

What started out as a complaint from a father about his teenage daughter being contacted by an adult male with messages that he was going to deliver marijuana/THC vapes to her, turned into a wild police pursuit Sunday evening through two counties.

According to an incident report filed by Cocke County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Shane Bower, the man, identified as Hezekiah Dominic Haney, 18, was not on scene but was spotted in a vehicle that fit the description provided while Bower was patrolling Holt Town Road.

Bower reports the vehicle passed him and accelerated to 70 mph in a 40 mph zone. Once Bower activated his emergency equipment the vehicle turned left in front of him and Bower was able to identify Haney as the driver.

The pursuit continued onto Rankin Hill Road in Jefferson County with Bower reporting Haney’s speed exceeded 122 mph in the opposite lane of travel, nearly striking several vehicles. Haney reportedly attempted to swerve and crash into Bower’s patrol vehicle several times.

The chase continued as the vehicle made a left turn onto Leadvale Road from Hwy. 25E with Haney reportedly slamming on his brakes several times and turning left, causing Bowers to crash into Haney’s vehicle ‘s driver’s side quarter panel/bumper area.

Bower reports that while on Leadvale Road, a square package was tossed out of the pursued vehicle that appeared to be narcotics. As the pursuit continued, more objects were thrown from the vehicle, including bottles, aerosol cans, books and other items.

The pursuit continued at a high rate of speed in the opposite lane of travel on multiple roads with the vehicle nearly crashing into a motorcycle at which point Bowers reports he terminated the chase for the safety of the public.

Shortly after terminating the pursuit, the vehicle was located at Food City in Dandridge by the Dandridge Police Department. However, Haney was not there.

The vehicle, a 2019 Hyundai Elantra, was towed and a hold was placed on it for evidence. Haney’s driver’s license was found to have been revoked on January 10.

Haney is facing multiple charges with seven active warrants currently on file for felony evading, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, speeding and driving while license revoked.