KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A 17-year-old already facing a murder charge in Roane County is now dealing with additional charges following a police chase and crash in Knoxville over the weekend.
According to arrest records, Riley Pawlick was stopped by an officer around 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Interstate 40 near the West Hills area. During the stop, the officer reported smelling marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
In the report, the officer noted Pawlick acknowledged he was out on bond for a second-degree murder charge and admitted to previously smoking marijuana in the car.
Pawlick initially agreed to allow a search of the vehicle. However, when asked to step out, investigators say he suddenly sped away, exiting the interstate at West Hills.
Moments later, authorities say the situation escalated.
“As I exited the interstate several seconds later, I observed car debris and large dust cloud,” the report stated. “The defendant had collided with an uninvolved vehicle while attempting to evade my traffic stop.”
Officers eventually tracked Pawlick to an apartment complex on Gleason Drive, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
He now faces additional charges, including reckless endangerment and evading arrest.
The arrest adds to an already serious case in Roane County, where Pawlick is accused in a deadly shooting at the Mr. Clean business in Harriman.
The mother of the victim in that case, Lynn La Vita, reacted strongly to news of the latest incident, expressing frustration over Pawlick’s earlier release on bond.
“The system failed,” La Vita said. “They failed Riley, too, because had the judge kept him where he was supposed to be, Riley wouldn’t have racked up more charges.”
Court records show multiple others are also facing charges connected to the Harriman case.
James Brian Frost is charged with coercion of a witness, filing false reports, tampering with evidence, and destruction of government property. His next court dates include a motions hearing scheduled for January 11, 2027, and a trial set for March 2, 2027.
Bradley Frost faces 14 counts of purchasing alcohol for a minor, along with charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possessing a handgun while under the influence. His next hearing is set for July 31, 2026, with trial scheduled for December 1, 2026.
Tony Williams is also charged as an accessory after the fact. He has a court date set for July 31, 2026, with no trial date announced at this time.
Authorities have not released further details about the conditions of Pawlick’s current custody or potential bond status following the latest charges.
