The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating after a passenger died early Friday morning when a vehicle veered into a river following a pursuit by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy began a pursuit of Daniel Peak, 38, on Highway 60 around 1:16 a.m. after several failed attempts to pull him over, according to a sheriff’s office news release. Peak was allegedly observed driving erratically and was believed to be intoxicated, according to the release.
As the pursuit continued toward Rhea County and onto Blythe Ferry Road, the driver entered a boat ramp, turned around and drove towards and then past an officer before veering off the side of the ramp into the river, the release states. The vehicle then flipped and was submerged.
Peak escaped the vehicle and was arrested, but told officials that he had a passenger in the vehicle, the release stated.
According to the release, officials “immediately initiated rescue efforts by entering freezing waters but were forced to exit due to frigid temperatures.”