Pursuit leads to arrest

James L. Long Jr.

A pursuit by a deputy with White County Sheriff Department ended in DeKalb County with the suspect being taken into custody without incident.

James L. Long Jr., 31, of Knoxville, is facing four charges after he fled in a motor vehicle, allegedly evading arrest.

On May 25, 2022, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Deputy Travis Bates was patrolling Smithville Highway when he witnessed a red mini-van sitting in the middle of Peeled Chestnut Road. Deputy Bates then turned on to Peeled Chestnut. The driver of the vehicle reportedly accelerated toward DeKalb County at a high rate of speed.

Sgt. Dennis then advised via radio transmission that the vehicle was stolen from Warren County.

According to the arrest warrant, the vehicle continued to Smithville city limits at a high rate of speed.

Upon arrival at Highway 96, the vehicle was “spiked” by DeKalb County. (A spike strip is a device used to impede or stop the movement of wheeled vehicles by puncturing their tires.) The mini-van continued its path of travel for approximately one mile at which time the tires reportedly exploded.

At that time a “felony takedown” was conducted. According to the arrest warrant, Long was reportedly taken into custody without incident. Because of Long’s reported mental status, DeKalb County Emergency Medical Service was called to the scene where they “cleared him.”

Further investigation reportedly revealed that Long had felony warrants out of Warren County.

According to the arrest warrant, a review of video footage showed Long passed approximately 20 vehicles at dangerous speeds.

Long was transported to White County Justice Center and charged with reckless endangerment, felony evading arrest in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and possession of stolen property over $10,000.

Long was scheduled to appear in court May 31, 2022.