77-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED ON STALKING WARRANT AFTER HITTING TRAFFIC CAMERA IN FAIRFIELD GLADE
On February 5, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Officer Nikolas Brendel of the Fairfield Glade Police Department (assisting or coordinating with Cumberland County authorities) was alerted by a county deputy about a black 2011 Chevy Equinox that had struck a Flock camera at the intersection of Peavine Road and Town Centre Drive in Fairfield Glade.
The officer located the unoccupied vehicle parked at the Dollar Tree store at Peavine Road around 2:54 p.m. After the 77-year-old driver, Stephen Douglas Pershing of Crossville, exited the store and approached his car, officers boxed in the vehicle, detained him, and confirmed his identity.
Pershing matched the subject of active warrants from Loudon County for aggravated stalking. Following a Terry frisk and confirmation of the hold via dispatch, he was placed under arrest on-view for the hold for another department.
Officers seized $735.31 in cash from his pocket (placed in an evidence bag), along with his wallet and car key for safekeeping, while other items like a key, hat, denture cream, and cough drops were returned to the vehicle. Loudon County requested seizure of his phone, but it was not on his person at the time.
While en route to the Cumberland County Jail, Pershing made statements claiming that Loudon County judges and district attorneys were conspiring against him, alleging he was investigating them with military assistance for trafficking, drug rings, and other crimes, and expressing concerns about potential danger to himself.
He was transported to the jail, where his property was processed for intake. Loudon County also arranged for seizure and towing of his vehicle from the scene.
