Knoxville, Tenn. — A man suspected of a string of criminal activity, including vehicle thefts and a high-speed pursuit, was arrested Thursday in Hardin Valley after leading law enforcement on a dramatic chase in a stolen Mustang.
Joshua Daryl Mayes, 29, is facing multiple charges after allegedly burglarizing two vehicles on the night of April 22 and stealing a red Mustang. The following day, Knox County detectives located the stolen vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, Mayes fled the scene, triggering a high-speed pursuit with multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase ended when detectives lost sight of the Mustang on Interstate 40 near Papermill Road. Despite this setback, authorities continued their search for Mayes, who was eventually located on Thursday morning behind a business on East Emory Road. According to a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office, Mayes was actively spray-painting the stolen vehicle when detectives arrived at the scene.
A second pursuit ensued, involving officers from Knox, Anderson, and Loudon counties. The chase continued until Mayes’ vehicle struck spike strips deployed by a deputy from Loudon County. The suspect’s vehicle was finally halted on Hardin Valley Road, and Mayes was taken into custody without further incident.
Mayes, who had several outstanding warrants from both the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, is now facing additional charges in connection with the stolen vehicle, the pursuit, and the burglary. He remains in custody pending further investigation.
The incident highlights the swift and coordinated efforts of local law enforcement agencies in apprehending a suspect wanted for multiple offenses. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about Mayes’ criminal history or the full list of charges he may face moving forward. The investigation is ongoing.
