Police Looking For Suspect In Assault Against Police Officer

Cocke County and Jefferson County law enforcement agencies are looking for the public’s help in locating a suspect on the run. Jefferson City police say they responded to a theft complaint at Wal-Mart on Hwy 11E Saturday evening around 7pm. A Jefferson City officer confronted the suspect, 53 year old James Lee Rucker of Newport in the parking lot.

Rucker then fled in a black Jeep onto Hwy 11E but suddenly turned back into the parking lot at a high rate of speed and intentionally ran into a Jefferson City patrol car head on, rendering it inoperable. Rucker then fled in the Jeep which was later found abandoned by White Pine Police at exit 4 on I-81. Rucker is wanted for aggravated assault on a police officer, felony reckless endangerment, theft, and leaving the scene of an accident. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey says that the Jefferson City police officer in the patrol car that was hit head on was not injured. Anyone spotting Rucker should call immediately call 911.