News Summary
A 46-year-old man, Terry France, was arrested in Knoxville following a high-speed chase while driving under the influence. France faced multiple charges, including DUI and reckless endangerment, after leading police on a dangerous pursuit on I-640 and I-40. His truck was heavily damaged, and he was apprehended after attempting to flee on foot. France is scheduled to appear in court to face serious legal consequences related to the incident.
Knoxville – A 46-year-old man, identified as Terry France, has been arrested following a dangerous high-speed chase and subsequent hit-and-run incident. The arrest occurred on Friday, July 4, after law enforcement officials observed France driving under the influence of alcohol. He now faces multiple charges, including DUI, reckless endangerment, evading arrest, and driving while suspended.
The alarming series of events unfolded at approximately 9:47 p.m. when a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop on I-640 west. France’s truck, which was already damaged and lacking a passenger-side tire, drew the trooper’s attention. Instead of stopping, France accelerated and fled the scene, prompting a police pursuit.
As France continued his reckless escape, he drove onto I-40 east at a dangerously high speed, despite the vehicle sporting heavy front-end damages and a missing passenger-side headlight. Police reports indicate that during the chase, France drove on the rim of his truck, repeatedly veering into oncoming traffic and narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles.
To prevent further danger, the trooper utilized his patrol vehicle to block France’s path, ultimately apprehending him as he attempted to flee on foot. Upon being detained, France displayed clear signs of intoxication. Officers noted the smell of alcohol on his breath and observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery.
Due to the circumstances surrounding his behavior, medical attention was requested for France at the scene. Further investigation revealed that he was driving with a suspended license and was under an ignition interlock device restriction, which is typically mandated for individuals with past DUI convictions.
France was subsequently booked into the Knox County Jail, facing an array of charges that could lead to significant legal ramifications. Those charges include reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and evading arrest with the potential for death or injury. Following his arrest, it was reported that France is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning to answer to the charges.
As of Monday afternoon, it was noted that Terry France was no longer listed as an inmate at the Knox County Jail, raising questions about whether he had been released or transferred to another facility. The details surrounding his current status remain unclear following the serious nature of the incident.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding reckless driving and DUI offenses in the Knoxville area. Law enforcement continues to urge drivers to remain vigilant and responsible, stressing the potential consequences of driving under the influence. Meanwhile, the community awaits further updates regarding France’s court proceedings and any potential measures that could be taken to prevent similar dangerous situations in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
High-Speed Crash on I-275 Leaves Teenager in Dire Condition
Tennessee Highway Patrol Captain Returns to Duty After Injury
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Man Arrested for DUI
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Knox News: Officer Arrested on Stalking Warrant
- Google Search: DUI Laws Tennessee
- WATE: Manhunt Suspect Arrested
- Google Scholar: DUI Arrest Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Law
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
