Runaway Returned To DCS, Driver Not Located

Late Tuesday night, Newport police spotted a 2010 Land Rover south of Newport on Cosby Hwy headed northbound going nearly 88 mph. That vehicle finally pulled over at the intersection with Early Road, where the driver and front seat passenger both bailed from the vehicle and took off on foot. The female passenger was found a short time later lying in the woodline near a field. She was found to be a 17 year old runaway from the Department of Children’s Services in Sevier County. This was confirmed with DCS and the girl was then taken early this morning to a location in Jefferson County where she was transferred back into DCS custody. As for the driver of the Land Rover, he was identified as 44 year old Walter Rivera. He has not been located.