Updated-CCSO Involved In Sunday Morning Pursuit

The Cocke County Sheriff’s office has released more information in that pursuit that happened early Sunday morning on the north side of Newport, including the names of the suspects. A deputy on routine patrol had spotted a Blue Dodge Ram pickup sitting across from Broadway and Main Pharmacy downtown. The driver, 27 year old Luis Rodriguez asked the deputy how to get to Johnson City, but when asked by the deputy where they were coming from, Rodriguez, who appeared to be intoxicated, said Greeneville. As the deputy was checking for information on Rodriguez through central dispatch, Rodriguez jumped back in the truck and took off at a high rate of speed.

The pursuit led onto North Street and the Ram truck was found crashed near Jimtown Road. Rodriguez along with his passenger, Yeifri Lopez, had fled on foot. Both were caught a short time later. Lopez, who was transported to the Newport Medical Center with injuries, was charged with DUI by Consent, Evading arrest, Public Intoxication, and Leaving the scene of an accident. Rodriguez faces charges of Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle and on foot, Reckless Endangerment, Leaving the scene of an accident, Reckless Driving and several other charges.