On May 30, 2026, Deputy Zachary Early observed a red 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck traveling westbound on Interstate 40 in Cumberland County with a torn and unreadable license plate. When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the driver hesitated and made erratic movements before pulling into an old gas station off Exit 311. The driver was identified as 35-year-old Teofilo Coz Taperia of Madison, Tennessee.

During the investigation, Deputy Early determined Taperia was driving without a valid license and placed him under arrest. Taperia refused to cooperate, suddenly bolted, and fled on foot. The deputy deployed his taser multiple times; after the fourth successful deployment, Taperia was incapacitated and fell to the ground. He then complied and was handcuffed. Taperia sustained minor injuries (road rash on his arms and a scrape on his head) during the incident, so EMS was called to evaluate him. After medical clearance, he was transported to the Cumberland County Jail.

Taperia was charged with evading arrest, resisting arrest, and driving without a license. His court date is set for July 6, 2026, with a $3,000 bond for each charge.