A Knoxville man is facing a slate of criminal charges in Cumberland County following a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 40 that reached speeds over 140 mph.

According to court documents and an affidavit filed by Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach Early, the incident began on June 27, 2026, near mile marker 307 on I-40. Deputy Early attempted to pull over a black vehicle clocked at 88 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Rather than stopping, the driver—identified as Denim Marqui Jackson—fled at extreme speeds, topping out at over 146 mph. During the chase, Jackson allegedly forced other vehicles off the road and split lanes while passing traffic.

The Crossville City Police Department assisted in stopping the vehicle by deploying tire spike strips near mile marker 317. The car eventually crashed into a ditch three miles later at mile marker 320.

Following the crash, law enforcement found a 17-year-old male passenger inside the vehicle. Officers also seized approximately 10.51 ounces of marijuana from a backpack inside the car after Jackson admitted to having the drugs on board.

Jackson was formally charged on July 7, 2026, with the following offenses:

• Schedule VI Drug Offense: Manufacturing, delivery, sale, or possession of controlled substances

• Evading Arrest: Vehicle flight

• Reckless Endangerment: Two felony counts involving a vehicle

• Reckless Driving

• Speeding

Jackson is scheduled to appear in the Cumberland County General Sessions Court on August 3, 2026.