At approximately 5:40 p.m., July 2, 2021, an incident occurred at Peacock Express, at 315 E. Bockman Way, in Sparta, adjacent to the post office, that caused the gas pumps to explode, resulting in massive damage.
Reports indicate that an individual was reportedly being pursued by law enforcement officials, and, as the individual was fleeing law enforcement, the individual ran into the gas pumps at Peacock Express, causing them to erupt in flames.
According to a report by Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jason Byrd, 40, of Miamisburg, Ohio, was traveling west on U.S. Highway 70, driving a 2012 Chevy silver pickup. Byrd reportedly attempted to make a left turn onto North Highland Drive.
The vehicle failed to make the turn and struck the gas island awning support beam at Peacock Express. The vehicle reportedly continued through the pole and struck several pumps before striking a 2014 Toyota Camry sedan that was parked at the pump. One of the pumps went across the parking lot and struck a 2000 Dodge Caravan minivan, which caught on fire.
The 2012 Chevy silver pickup came to rest after striking the 2014 Toyota Camry sedan and causing it to catch fire and burn.
The crash also caused damage to the Peacock Express building, with fire damage to the west side.
Several emergency services departments were on the scene.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY WHITE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ON JULY 7
At approximately 5:20 p.m., on Saturday, July 3, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a stolen vehicle call on the 9000 block of Crossville Highway.
As deputies were en route eastbound to the call, a truck matching the stolen vehicle's description passed, traveling westbound at an exceedingly high rate of speed and illegally passing traffic.
The deputies turned around to investigate. Due to the high rate of speed, deputies did not intercept the stolen vehicle.
As deputies continued traveling westbound, they witnessed an explosion from the vicinity of Peacock gas station on Bockman Way.
Upon arrival at Peacock gas station, deputies observed that the truck crashed into gas pumps and a parked car, causing an explosion and fire hazard.
THP assisted with the crash report.
EMS transported two individuals to the hospital for treatment of injuries.
The suspect driving the crashed vehicle was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center for treatment of injuries.
The suspect is now in custody at White County Jail.
White County Sheriff's Office is working with District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway on this case. The incident is an active investigation.
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