Shoplifting Case Results In Car Chase

Another shoplifting case resulted in a car chases that crossed into Sevier county. Wal-Mart loss prevention had called police and said a man in a black Ford Ranger pickup had stolen from the store. Police spotted that pickup on Cosby Hwy but the driver of the truck accelerated. The truck turned onto Old Cosby Hwy into the intersection with Cosby Hwy where it then turned south at speeds of 80mph. The truck turned right onto Bogard Road and crossed the double yellow line numerous times nearly causing several accidents. At the end of Bogard Road…still crossing the double yellow line numerous times endangering other drivers. At the intersection with Ball Hollow Road, the driver of the pickup stopped and took off on foot into the woods. The suspect was finally brought down by the use of a taser. He was identified as Larry Gunter, Jr. He has stolen nearly $200 of merchandise from Wal-Mart. During the chase in the woods, the Newport officer’s body camera came off and could not be found, The police department says they will seek restitution against Gunter for the $555 cost of that camera. Gunter is charged with theft of property, evading and reckless endangerment.