Tenn. Officer ‘Seriously Injured’ in Crash with Fleeing Suspect
A Tennessee police officer was seriously injured in a crash while he was still in a fleeing suspect's vehicle over the weekend.
The incident happened Sunday as Knoxville police were observing a possible "straw purchaser" at a gun show at the Knoxville Expo enter, WVLT-TV reports. According to police, Michael Harris, a 35-year-old Michigan man, was seen buying several gun accessories, and FaceTimed with another person before loading the items into a minivan.
Police followed Harris, who drove erratically after leaving the show, and officers approached him while he was stopped at a gas station. During the encounter, officers could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the van, and they began searching the vehicle when Harris left the car.
After he saw police searching his vehicle, Harris got back into his van and sped off into oncoming traffic. At the time, Sgt. Michael Geddings was still in the van, which collided with another car.
The crash seriously injured Geddings, who was taken to the hospital with a broken arm and "severe laceration to the head." Harris tried to flee on foot, and he was eventually apprehended by Knoxville County sheriffl's deputies.
“We are incredibly thankful and fortunate that Sergeant Geddings was not injured more seriously during the chaotic events that unfolded on Sunday,” Knoxville Police Chief Eve Thomas told WVLT. “This incident, once again, illuminates the inherent risks that officers face during even the most innocuous roles they fulfill.”
A search of the van uncovered 2 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 2.5 grams of heroin and over 15.2 grams marijuana. Harris,a convicted felon who is reportedly affiliated with the Bloods street gang from Detroit, faces kidnapping, firearms and drug charges.
The incident is under investigation by ATF, Knoxville police and the Knoxville County Sheriff's Office.
