High Speed Chase Ends In Arrest

Cocke County deputies were involved in a high speed chase on back roads in Cosby Friday night. It started when a concerned citizen called police about a possible intoxicated driver on I-40 eastbound at mile marker 444. The caller notified police that the driver left the interstate at exit 447. A deputy spotted the suspect vehicle, a black 1988 Chevrolet Silverado on Trail Hollow Road. The truck was driving an excessive speed before leaving the roadway and becoming stuck with its front tire in the ditch. However the driver put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive and got out of the ditch and fled from police. The driver continued to drive in an unsafe manner on Barnes Hollow Road, Ramsey Road, then an unmarked road leading to Highway 32…where he then turned northbound towards Cosby. Another deputy joined in the pursuit at Ground Hog Road and the driver of the truck then turned onto Catons Grove Road where deputies were able to box the driver of the truck in and bring him to a stop. The driver was 37 year old John Benson of Cosby who was in possession of over 12 grams of crystal meth and another 1.35 grams of heroin. Benson also had an unloaded Armalite AR-7 Explorer .22 Cal rifle under the drivers seat…a full magazine and more ammo was found in the truck. Benson who is a convicted felon faces a long list of charges including possession with intent to sell, possession of a firearm during a felony and evading arrest.