Tenn. Deputy Hurt in Crash, Questioned About Cause

Jan. 27--MADISONVILLE -- A Monroe County sheriff's deputy was injured this morning when her cruiser collided with another vehicle at an intersection.

Officer Marla Richeson, 26, of Sweetwater, was taken by ambulance to the Sweetwater Hospital after the 6:45 a.m. crash, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Cory Russell.

Richeson was conscious and alert after the crash. Russell said he interviewed the deputy at the hospital.

Russell said the crash occurred at the intersection of State Route 68 and Englewood Road.

Richeson was southbound on S.R. 68 when she attempted a left turn onto Englewood Road. During the turn, Richeson's 2004 Ford Crown Victoria collided with a 2001 Infiniti that was northbound on S.R. 68, Russell said.

The Infiniti was driven by Eva Valentine, 54, of Tellico Plains. Her husband drove her from the scene to her private physician to be examined, Russell said.

"The good thing is that it was not a high-speed crash," Russell said.

"The deputy went through the light and struck the other car. Valentine said she had the light and the deputy said she wasn't sure."

Russell said Richeson related that she was not feeling well this morning while en route to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to get her daily duty assignments. The deputy said she recalls approaching the intersection and then calling for help after the crash.

Valentine was using a seat belt, Russell said, while Richeson said she was not.

No charges have been filed, but Russell said his investigation is continuing and he was seeking witnesses to the crash to clarify who had the green light at the time of the crash.