The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department has charged Alexander Rice with Aggravated Assault after investigating the victim’s condition after the high-speed chase that happened on Sunday afternoon.

On February 5, the Crossville City Police initiated a pursuit after calls of a vehicle had rammed into the gate multiple times located at the Rec Park and was fleeing. The CPD and Sheriff’s Deputies followed the vehicle through town, down HWY 127S, and onto HWY 68, where it crashed into two patrol units and another vehicle. The driver, Alexander Rice fleed on foot for a short time until being detained by authorities.

The front seat passenger, Meghan Fitzgerald was observed to have severe bruising to her face and both of her eyes were swelled shut, as well as bite marks on her cheek and neck. When Meghan was asked what happened to her face, she said she had been beaten up but didn’t know who did it. After investigators spoke with the victim more, she alleged to them the assault had actually happened the night before.

Several officers also observed a white sedan following the pursuit at a high rate of speed and pulled into the Sawmill Market in the area where Alexander had crashed the car and been detained.  The driver, identified as Joel Rice told authorities he was Alexander’s dad and admitted to driving recklessly to keep up with the pursuit. He was placed into custody as well.