LOUDON, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A dramatic early-morning pursuit in Loudon County ended Sunday when a fleeing driver drove into the Tennessee River after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase.
According to the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Deputy Garren attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Dodge Charger. The driver, later identified as Fernando Jose Pascula-Tomas, refused to stop and accelerated away from deputies.
Authorities said the pursuit traveled off the interstate and onto Pond Creek Road before continuing along Highway 11 through Philadelphia and into the City of Loudon. Due to the vehicle’s speed and safety concerns, sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Loudon Police Department eventually lost sight of the Charger near Loudon High School and terminated the pursuit.
Only moments later, a 911 caller reported seeing a vehicle race down the Ferry Street boat ramp and drive directly into the Tennessee River at a high rate of speed.
Loudon Police officers quickly responded to the boat ramp and found Pascula-Tomas, who had managed to escape from the sinking vehicle without injury. Deputy Garren arrived shortly afterward and took him into custody.
Pascula-Tomas was charged with felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked or suspended license, and multiple traffic-related offenses.
The vehicle became completely submerged in the river, prompting a large-scale recovery effort. Crews from the Loudon Fire Department, Loudon County Emergency Management Agency, the Loudon County Dive Team and James Towing worked together to locate and recover the vehicle from the water.
Priority Ambulance Service also responded and assisted at the scene.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and authorities have not released additional details about what led to the attempted traffic stop.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A pursuit in Loudon County after officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Fernando Jose Pascula-Tomas who refused to stop and accelerated away from deputies. (WVLT)
