JONATHAN WAYDE RUSSELL FACES TRIAL IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY OVER 2023 HIGH-SPEED CHASE AND VEHICLE THEFT
Jonathan Wayde Russell is scheduled for a court report and motion for a new trial in the Cumberland County Circuit Court following a grand jury indictment stemming from an October 5, 2023 incident.
According to court records, the charges trace back to an incident that began at the Bakery Outlet in Crossville, where Russell allegedly stole a silver 1998 GMC Jimmy valued between $2,500 and $10,000 belonging to Clifford Smith. Law enforcement attempted to pull the vehicle over, initiating a high-speed pursuit through town.
Investigators state that Russell fled from police—ignoring blue lights, sirens, stop signs, and red traffic lights through areas including Highland Square, the National Guard Armory, Highway 70 West, and Elmore Road. The chase reportedly reached speeds of 60 miles per hour and ended in a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in one driver being transported to the hospital with injuries.
Russell is facing three felony charges:
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Theft of Property ($2,500 to < $10,000)
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Evading Arrest Involving Risk of Death or Injury (Vehicle)
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Reckless Endangerment – Vehicle
He is represented by attorney Jeff Vires, with a $24,000 total bond posted across his cases.
