Officers capture Loudon Co. robbery suspect in West Knox Co.

 

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Officials captured a robbery suspect in West Knox County Monday afternoon after a three-hour manhunt.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office assisted other agencies including the Knoxville Police Department, Lenoir City Police Department and the Loudon County Sheriff's Office in apprehending Joshua Hayworth, 23.

Hayworth is accused of robbing the Burger King in Lenoir City on January 30 and stealing a Jeep Wrangler as a getaway vehicle.

Officers spotted Hayworth at 100018 Bob Gray Road where they say he ditched the Jeep and ran into a nearby house. He was chased out by the homeowners and their dog.

Deputies say from there, Hayworth went to Double Tree Road where he saw a woman outside. He knocked her down and stole the keys to her Ford Escape.

She ran after the vehicle because her puppy was inside. The woman held on to the dog and the vehicle as Hayworth dragged her about 20 feet.

She suffered numerous cuts and was taken to the hospital as a precaution because she is pregnant.

Hayworth lost control of the vehicle at the entrance to Windamere where he crashed into a tree. He then ran to a house on Gray Creek Lane where he was located hiding behind a couch.

He was taken into custody around 6 p.m.

Hayworth was also wanted for violation of probation in Loudon County.

A Knox County sheriff's deputy who was on his way to the scene lost control of his vehicle in a curve on Schaad Road and crashed. Officials say the vehicle slid across the road and landed on its side.

The driver, Deputy Russell Kuhlman, was not injured.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office utilized K-9s and Airwatch in the search for Hayworth. The FBI was also involved because Hayworth was wanted for a crime in another jurisdiction.