KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A Maryville man is in custody after leading deputies on a dangerous, high-speed pursuit through parts of Knox County on Monday, according to an arrest report obtained by WVLT News.
The incident began around 11:45 a.m. when deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Maryville Pike. When officers arrived, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Nathan Russell, was no longer at the scene.
With assistance from the victim, deputies were able to locate Russell in a nearby parking lot. According to the report, when confronted by deputies, Russell made a sudden movement—reaching down in a way that prompted officers to draw their weapons.
At that point, Russell reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle, initiating a chase that would span multiple roads and end in a crash. Deputies said Russell sped south on Maryville Pike, weaving through traffic and reaching speeds of up to 95 miles per hour. He allegedly passed vehicles in the oncoming lane and ignored traffic signals throughout the pursuit.
After briefly stopping, Russell continued fleeing down John Sevier Highway and onto Old Maryville Pike, where he was seen mounting curbs and forcing pedestrians to move out of harm’s way. He eventually turned onto Chapman Highway, continuing to disregard intersections and red lights, according to the report.
The pursuit came to an end when Russell crashed into a tree along Alcoa Highway. He was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.
Russell now faces a long list of charges, including reckless endangerment, aggravated assault on an officer, evading arrest, domestic assault, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and multiple traffic violations such as speeding and driving in opposing lanes.
No injuries were reported in connection with the chase.
