Tenn. Police Officer Critically Injured in Crash with Highway Patrol SUV while Escorting Vice President

Maryville Police Officer Justin Brown underwent surgery and is “making small improvements” after he suffered “significant injuries” as part of Vice President JD Vance's motorcade.

Source Officer.com News

Joe Vince

Nov. 18, 2025

2 min read

What to know

Maryville Police Officer Justin Brown was critically injured in a crash as part of the motorcade for Vice President JD Vance during a visit Friday.
Brown's motorcycle collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol SUV while escorting Vance to a fundraiser.
The officer underwent surgery for "significant injuries," and he is showing "small improvements."

Maryville Police Officer Justin Brown underwent surgery and is “making small improvements” after he suffered “significant injuries” as part of Vice President JD Vance's motorcade. — Maryville, TN, Police Officer Justin Brown.

A Tennessee police officer is showing "small improvements" after he was critically injured in a crash while escorting Vice President JD Vance, according to the officer's chief.

Maryville Police Officer Justin Brown had been assigned to the vice president's motorcade from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Alcoa to an area fundraiser Friday, Police Chief Tony Crisp stated in a news release. He was critically injured when his motorcycle collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol cruiser just after 6 p.m.

Brown was rushed to the hospital with "significant injuries" and underwent surgery Saturday. On Sunday, Crisp said that Brown was “making small improvements," and he not only praised the work of medical staff, but also the citizens who cared for the officer at the scene.

"To those individuals whose quick response saved FTO Brown's life last night, we can't thank you enough," he said "You are true heroes."

No details were released concerning what led to the crash. The incident is under investigation by the highway patrol’s Critical Incident Response Team.

Crisp said that Brown and the department has received an outpouring of support in the crash's aftermath.

"We are grateful for each and every one and appreciate the prayers and support from all over the state,” he said Crisp. “Our hearts and prayers also go out to the trooper involved in the crash."

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.