JANUARY 19, 2019
TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO PURSUIT OF STOLEN VEHICLE, STANDOFF WITH BARRICADED SUBJECT IN LENOIR CITY APARTMENT COMPLEX
LENOIR CITY, TENNESSEE- Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider, along with Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis, released information earlier this morning related to a vehicle pursuit that turned into a short foot pursuit followed by a three hour standoff with a barricaded subject at a Lenoir City apartment complex.
At approximately 3:28 am, Deputy Thomas Spradlin initiated a traffic stop on a 2017 Dodge Charger that was driving without taillights and had no visible registration. The driver of that vehicle, later identified as 29 year old Haushann Walter Simpson of Morristown, Tennessee, initially pulled into the parking lot of the Loudon County Justice Center. During questioning by Deputy Spradlin, Simpson was unable to provide a drivers license, identification or proof of ownership of the vehicle. Deputy Spradlin also suspected the vehicle to have drugs inside of it after observing a strong of odor marijuana coming from it during his investigation. Deputy Spradlin instructed Simpson to exit the vehicle at which time he fled in his vehicle.
Loudon County Deputies pursued Simpson for several miles, and assisted by officers from Lenoir City Police Department, were able to deploy spike strips which disabled the vehicle’s tires.
Simpson continued driving a short distance to Town Creek Villas where he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. LCSO Deputy Christian Rogers pursued Simpson on foot and observed him enter an apartment dwelling where he barricaded himself. The apartment was also determined to be occupied by a female and several juveniles according to neighbors and known acquaintances.
Inquiries into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) revealed that the 2017 Charger was stolen from a dealership out of Lithia Springs, Georgia. Haushann Simpson was also listed as a known gang member and had several felony convictions including the use of body armor during the commission of a felony. Due to Simpson’s record, and the danger posed to individuals inside the home, a mutual-aid request was placed to Blount County Sheriff James Berrong requesting assistance from the Blount County Sheriff's Office SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and Negotiation Team.
At approximately 8:02 am, Simpson opened a door and surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody without injury to the suspect or any LCSO or BCSO Deputies.
“This dangerous ordeal was handled professionally and swiftly by all the agencies involved and resulted in the capture of a dangerous felon and recovered a stolen car” said Sheriff Tim Guider. “It’s just another example of the great effort by our Patrol Division as well as the strong display of teamwork between our Deputies, LCPD, and our neighboring agencies. We are thankful for the great working relationship we have with Sheriff Berrong and his excellent team of law enforcement professionals”.
Simpson was charged with:
-Felony Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle
-Manufacturer, Sale and Delivery of a Scheduled VI Narcotic (Marijuanna)
-Violation of TN Light Laws
-Felony Theft $10,000.00-$60,000.00
He was booked into the Loudon County Sheriff’s Detention Facility and held pending bond.