UPDATE ON NEW HIGHWAY 68 INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Update by Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones:
As with any ongoing investigation, law enforcement is not at liberty to disclose all the details immediately following an incident. This is not out of secrecy, but rather to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly, fairly, and without interference. As more facts have been verified, we are able to share more information.
We understand that emotions are high and that speculation can spread quickly. However, those who are assuming facts or spreading misinformation online are doing a disservice to the community and the truth. Propagating hate or distrust toward law enforcement before the investigation has concluded is both irresponsible and harmful to everyone involved.
At this point, we are able to share some (not all) of the information regarding this incident.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 5:18 p.m., Madisonville Police Department Patrol Officer Jimmy Haynes was traveling to Turnpike Road en route to begin his shift when he approached the intersection of Turnpike Road and New Highway 68. Officer Haynes observed several vehicles stopped in the roadway with bystanders standing near a white Ford F-150 truck which was partially obstructing the roadway.
Officer Haynes activated his emergency blue lights and parked behind the F-150 to investigate. Bystanders informed the officer that the driver of the truck may be in need of medical attention.
Below is a synopsis of the events that pursued:
- -Officer Haynes approached the male and asked if he was okay and why he was stopped in the roadway. The driver was unable to provide an answer.
- -The officer asked the driver to place the vehicle in park, but the driver insisted that it was already in park. After being informed it was not, the driver put the vehicle in park.
- -Officer Haynes asks the driver to step out of the vehicle – the driver refuses and places the vehicle back into drive. A bystander reaches in the passenger side of the vehicle and puts the vehicle back in park and removes the key.
- -Officer Haynes requested Monroe County deputies to be dispatched for assistance.
- -Driver refuses to identify himself and refuses to obey commands from Officer Haynes.
- -Driver then leans inside the vehicle behind the driver’s seat reaching for something. Concerned for the officer’s own safety, and the bystanders, Officer Haynes drew his service weapon and gave loud verbal commands for the subject to show his hands. The driver raised his hands however, refused to move away from the open door as instructed.
- -MCSO deputy Todd Bible and Sergeant Bobby Queen arrived on scene and attempted to detain the driver. The driver then fled on foot. Deputies gave chase during which one of the deputies deployed his department-issued taser. The driver fell to the ground but continued to ignore commands. Before the taser could be cycled again, the driver pulled the probes from his body, rendering the device ineffective.
- -Deputies made a second taser deployment, and the driver again removed the probes immediately. Despite continued commands and attempts to de-escalate the situation, the subject fled again on foot.
- -Another taser deployment struck the driver who then fell to the ground. Deputies and officers attempted to gain control of the driver who continued to actively resist arrest. Following a brief struggle, the driver was finally placed in handcuffs.
- -Once handcuffed, deputies noticed the driver’s face was turning blue. Deputies immediately checked for a pulse but were unable to locate one and began CPR. During compressions, the driver began emitting a yellow foam from his mouth. Deputies immediately rolled the driver onto his side to prevent choking and then continued life-saving efforts until Monroe County EMS arrived and took over.
- -MSCO Detective Jason Fillyaw responded to Sweetwater Hospital where he was informed that the driver was deceased. Detective Fillyaw immediately contacted MSCO Captain Conway Mason, who in turn contacted the Chief Deputy White and Sheriff Jones-who was already on the scene of the incident. Upon being notified of the incident, Deputy Chief White immediately notified the Tenth Judicial District Attorney to request that TBI take over the investigation.
- -A further inspection of the driver’s vehicle revealed a white powdery substance which appeared to be Fentanyl and a scale.
- -At the hospital, a white powdery substance was also found in the pocket of the driver’s pants.
- -MCSO has confirmed that next of kin have been notified. The driver has been identified as: MICHAEL RAY STICE – a 62 year old resident of Madisonville, Tennessee.
- -Preliminary information suggests that it appears Mr. Stice may have overdosed.
- – MCSO and the Tenth Judicial Drug Task Force are familiar with Mr. Stice as a drug trafficker from multiple previous encounters due to the use and sale of illegal drugs including Fentanyl.
- -As TBI continues to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this incident, our commitment remains to transparency, accountability, and justice – based on evidence and facts, not assumptions and rumors.
Following the conclusion of the TBI investigation, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will release officer bodycams and other pertinent information related to this case.
Thank you to the citizens of Monroe County who continue to show support, respect, and trust in the process as we work to provide accurate and complete information.
