KPD: Felony Suspect Leads Knoxville Police on Chase, Almost Hits Officers

A man is facing several charges after leading Knoxville Police Department officers on a chase down Chapman Highway, KPD said. (Courtesy: KPD)

KPD: Felony Suspect Leads Knoxville Police on Chase, Almost Hits Officers

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man is facing several charges after leading Knoxville Police Department officers on a chase down Chapman Highway Sunday afternoon.

KPD officials say officers responded to a suspicious vehicle off Chapman Highway around 5:00 p.m. Sunday to find 39-year-old Jerad Morrell and 35-year-old Stephanie Epperson who reportedly told the officers there was a gun in their van but that they did not know where it was.

Jerad Morrell, 39 (Courtesy: JIMS)

Officers asked them to step out of the van; however, Morrell refused to comply and drove away from the scene, reportedly striking an officer in the process.

Morrell lead police on a chase south on Chapman Highway before crashing into another car and eventually being caught by officers while fleeing on foot.

The driver of the vehicle that was hit was taken to UT Medical Center to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, according to KPD. A KPD officer was also treated for injuries sustained during the foot pursuit.

Police say Morrell had a loaded handgun, suspected crack cocaine and 18 computers and phones in his car; he is charged with multiple felonies, including felony evading arrest.

Epperson was charged with schedule II drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Headlines

What's happening

Second Harvest Pack the Bag

Second Harvest Pack the Bag

For just $100, you can sponsor a child for the entire year! DONATE TODAY Second Harvest’s annual Pack the Bag fundraiser is finally here! For 14 days, they’ll be working to feed the 14,395 children currently participating in the Food for Kids Program. Students in the program receive a bag full of nutritious & kid-friendly…

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival- May 11th

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival- May 11th

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival is returning to Downtown Knoxville on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Curated by hometown favorites, the Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically Knoxville celebration of music and community.

Paint It Forward! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Paint It Forward! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

NewsTalk 98.7 is teaming up with McLain’s Painting Service to help “Paint It Forward” this spring. Nominate your favorite Non-profit organization to get a fresh coat of paint up to $10,000 provided by Sherwin Williams!