Trooper-involved shooting report

What initially began as a routine local traffic stop at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, reportedly escalated into a police chase down Interstate 40 to the Watt Road Exit.

Though Tennessee Highway Patrol authorities were questioned by The News-Herald on Monday, no additional information was offered regarding the suspect or the reason for his initial stop.

The suspect reportedly sped off in the middle of receiving a citation from a THP officer … fleeing down the interstate before taking a right turn on to — and eventually off of — the aforementioned exit.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the suspect reportedly stopped and exited his vehicle before firing a weapon in the general direction of the law enforcement officers at the scene. At least one Trooper returned gunfire, ultimately striking the suspect and injuring him, according to reports.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s public statement on the case says that no law enforcement officers were injured during Sunday night’s incident. While limited information was provided, the TBI did state in a general release that a full investigation is currently underway.

“TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting — including collecting evidence and conducting interviews,” a TBI press release stated.

“Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for further review and consideration.”

Corporal Cody Bengal, public information officer with the Loudon County Sheriff ’s Office, confirmed that while there were LCSO officers assisting in scene security after the incident, none of the sheriff ’s officers were involved directly in the chase or conflict.

The News-Herald also reached out to the Lenoir City Police Department for comment. However, according to a spokesperson for Chief Don White, the LCPD had no involvement in the case.

As of late Monday afternoon, the investigation surrounding the incident was still ongoing.

Jose Aldair Lopez-Fernandez, 23, Loudon, was charged with driving under the influence, license required, possession of drug paraphernalia, requirements for stop sign vehicles and held without bond.

David Blaine Cantrell, 46, Tellico Plains, was charged with arrest warrant-assisted by another agency and released without bond.

Robyn Eugena Hightower, 52, Oak Ridge, was charged with weekender convicted serving time and released without bond.

Amy Lynn Short, 33, Knoxville, was charged with reckless endangerment and released on $10,000 bond.

Jacob Frederick Rice, 30, Lenoir City, was charged with theft of property and released on $10,000 bond.

Joseph Jason Pliske, 43, Loudon, was charged with two counts of violation of probation and held without bond.

Javion Christopher Strong, 24, Knoxville, was charged with capias-general sessions and released on $4000 bond.

Hunter Paul Messimer, 20, Loudon, was charged with aggravated assault, child abuse or neglect/ endangerment 55-50-504s 01/15/2025 10:00 55-50504 driving on suspended license, interfere with emergency call (911) and held on $48,000 bond.

Alyssa Lorene Backus, 24, Maryville, was charged with attachment (juvenile court) and released on $500 bond.

Alicia Dawn Partin, 33, Homeless, was charged with public intoxication, two counts of simple possession/ casual exchange and held on $4000 bond.

Aubrey Lewis Johnson, 24, Lenoir City, was charged with capias-criminal court and released on $60,000 bond.

John Baxter Marrs, 77, Lenoir City, was charged with violation of order of protection/restraining order and released on $1500 bond.

Shawn David Mcdavid, 40, Kingston, was charged with violation of community corrections and held on $3000 bond.

Alyssa Tabitha Dailey, 24, Loudon, was charged with attachment (juvenile court) and held on $600 bond.

Victoria Danielle Tipton, 34, Walland, was charged with violation of probation and released on $5000 bond.

Thomas Austin Wayne Finger, 30, Louisville, was charged with capias-municipal court and held without bond.

Ted Dustin Hamilton, 46, Lenoir City, was charged with violation of probation and held without bond.

William Joseph Jenkins, 49, Sweetwater, was charged with theft of property and three counts of aggravated burglary and released without bond.

Monica Elise Murphy, 24, Madisonville, was charged with attachment (juvenile court) and released on $250 bond.

Victoria Danielle Tipton, 24, Walland, was charged with violation of probation and released on $5000 bond.

Marty Allen Mills, 42, Homeless, was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest and held on $2000 bond.

Nathan Monroe Pol, 43, Loudon, was charged with domestic assault and released on $1500 bond.

Kelly M Senecal, 56, Herrin, IL, was charged with driving on revoked/suspended license, theft of property and held on $23,000 bond.

Brent Allen Snyder, 42, Philadelphia, was charged with vandalism and released on $1000 bond.

Arthur Paul Arwood, 62, Homeless, was charged with manufacturing, delivery, sale or possession of meth and released on $5000 bond.

Carl Shannon Atchley Jr., 59, Loudon, was charged with capias-municipal court, two counts of violation of probation and held on $4000 bond.

Dusty Allen Clark, 37, Lenoir City, was charged with arrest warrant-assisting other agency and released without bond.

Randall Lynn Richesin II, 42, Sweetwater, was charged with contraband in penal institution, domestic assault, manufacturing, delivery, sale or possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and held without bond.