ATHENS, Tenn. — Police in two states are on the watch for a Monroe County man who eluded pursuit through two counties, then crashed his car and escaped once he got over the Georgia line.
Authorities said Ernest Jerry Culberson, of Campground Road in Monroe County, fled about midnight from Madisonville police responding to a report alleging domestic assault.
Police issued a “be on the lookout” order for Mr. Culberson’s red Mustang, and Deputy Roy Haynes spotted it moments later on Chestuee Road and tried to make a traffic stop.
Instead, the driver raced south on U.S. Highway 411 and crossed into McMinn County, hitting more than 100 mph, Deputy Haynes reported.
“The driver made several attempts to sideswipe my patrol car during the pursuit,” Deputy Haynes wrote.
Etowah city police and Polk County deputies joined in the chase ,and Benton police laid a trap for the fleeing Mustang.
“Our officer deployed spike strips where the four-lane goes into the two-lane,” Benton Police Chief Rocky King said.
He said the Benton officer notified the pursuers about the strips so they could stop. Polk County deputies backed off, but both the Monroe County and Etowah city cars stayed after the Mustang.
Chief King said the red car hit the spike strips so fast it jerked the control rope from the officers’ hands so they couldn’t get it off the road in time. The pursuing patrol cars ran over the strips and lost tire pressure.
The Mustang continued on its rims, with Polk deputies still in pursuit, but they had to abandon the chase at the Georgia line, according to reports.
Other officers found the Mustang wrecked just over the state line, and Mr. Culberson gone.
Monroe County officers said they are still searching for the driver. When they catch him, he faces charges of reckless endangerment and felony fleeing, they said.
Or login with:
New Account