Driver Leads Police And Deputies On Chase

A driver led both Newport police and Cocke County Deputies on a pursuit Friday night. That pursuit began in the Newport City limits but ended in the county. It began when a vehicle tried to flee from a Newport patrolman on Mulberry Street. The driver of the older model Honda led police onto Morrell Springs Road at speeds of 60 mph. The driver then drove into the Golf Course Road area and eventually wound up on O’Neill Road in the county.

That pursuit then turned onto Highway 73 and then onto Halls Top Road. The driver of the Honda then lost control on Halls Top Road and crashed. The driver then tried to flee from officers on foot, but fell down a 150 foot embankment. That suspect, 34 year old David Owens, was seriously injured. Officers on scene attempted to stabilize Owens till EMS could arrive. Owens was then transported to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville.