Shoplifter Leads Police On Chase

A Newport man is behind bars after a shoplifting incident led to a police chase through town on Wednesday.
According to Newport Police, Officer J. Shelton was patrolling near Five Rivers Plaza on October 22nd when a Dollar Tree employee flagged him down to report a theft. The suspect, driving a black Nissan Altima, had just fled the store with stolen merchandise. Officer Shelton located the vehicle on Industrial Road and attempted a traffic stop. The driver—identified as Michael Holt—refused to pull over, crossing into oncoming traffic and forcing two cars off the road before eventually getting stuck behind a semi-truck. Holt was taken into custody after admitting to stealing items valued at $33.68. Officers say his driver’s license was suspended at the time. The merchandise was returned to Dollar Tree, and Holt was booked into the Cocke County Jail on multiple charges.
No injuries were reported in the pursuit.