Newport Man Arrested For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

Cocke County deputies arrested a Newport man Thursday afternoon after he left the scene of an accident. Police were called originally to Heidi June Way in reference to a motor vehicle crash where one of the vehicles involved had left the scene. Witnesses stated it was a burgundy Nissan Altima with front end damage. The vehicle was later spotted on Scenic Drive. A Cocke County deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop, and drove up to East Highway 25/70 where they failed to stop at the stop sign and drove straight across onto Old Asheville Highway. The driver of the Altima was then clocked at speeds that reached 55 mph before turning onto Rock Hill Road. The driver at one point turned around and drive straight towards the deputies’ patrol car. With his weapon drawn the deputy was able to get the driver of the Altima to stop. That driver was 54 year old Tony Goodderham who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. When Goodderham got out of his vehicle, he threw a Dewalt bag onto the ground. Inside that bag was marijuana and more was found inside the car’s glove box. A total of just over one ounce of marijuana was found. Goodderham faces a long list of charges including drug possession, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and evading arrest.