Cookeville Police Chase Leads to Theft of Vehicles

 

Alert Detectives Pursue Suspicious Vehicle Resulting in the Recovery of 2 Stolen Vehicles

Friday afternoon, Cookeville Police Department Detective Sgt. Chase Mathis and Detective Brandon Tayes noticed a suspicious vehicle as it was leaving the parking lot of the Fall Creek Inn.

A computer registration check indicated the vehicle was falsely registered. The vehicle, a white 2014 Ford Escape, matched the description of a vehicle stolen from Smith County.

As the detectives followed the vehicle, the driver began to speed away. The detectives activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and pursued the vehicle onto Browns Mill Road. The vehicle entered a private drive where it traveled through a fence down a steep wooded hillside. Detective Tayes exited the police vehicle and pursued the vehicle as it attempted to negotiate the terrain. The vehicle stopped and the driver, 23 year-old Jason Hunt, exited and fled on foot. Detective Tayes caught Mr. Hunt and placed him into custody. Mr. Hunt was charged with Evading Arrest, Reckless Endangerment, and Theft.

The ensuing investigation led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles. Detectives also developed evidence to assist in the theft of a trailer and four-wheeler ATV along with approximately 30 vehicle burglaries. A second man, 23 year-old Jonathan Patterson, was arrested and charged with Theft and Burglary.

The investigation is on-going, with other jurisdictions involved also.

If you have any information about these crimes or any other criminal activity, please call and let us know at 931-526-2125. You may remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 931-520-STOP (7867).

Follow us on @CookevillePD.

Contact Major Nathan Honeycutt (931) 520-5307 if you need additional information.

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