HIGH-SPEED CHASE ENDS IN AIRPORT CRASH; THREE FAMILY MEMBERS ARRESTED FOLLOWING RHEA COUNTY INCIDENT
A routine traffic patrol turned into a multi-arrest incident on September 18, 2026, after a high-speed vehicle pursuit ended in a crash at the Mark Anton Airport security fence.
K-9 Deputy Paul attempted to pull over a gold Ford F-150 driven by Charles Gillespie Jr. in the Frazier Community after confirming the vehicle was speeding. Instead of stopping, Gillespie accelerated to evade law enforcement, leading to a brief chase. The pursuit concluded when Gillespie lost control of the truck and crashed into the airport’s security perimeter.
Gillespie briefly fled on foot into a nearby runway field to hide, but ultimately surrendered and returned to the scene while the deputy secured the passenger. Both occupants were detained.
Charges Filed: Charles Gillespie Jr. faces a slew of charges at the Rhea County Justice Center, including felony evading, felony reckless endangerment, an outstanding felony probation violation warrant, driving while suspended, drug possession, and speeding in a school zone.
The situation escalated further when family members arrived at the crash scene and began interfering with the investigation. Despite direct commands to leave, Robert Gillespie and Heather Gillespie refused to comply and were also taken into custody.
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Robert Gillespie: Booked for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.
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Heather Gillespie: Booked for disorderly conduct.
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Office commended the swift response and professionalism of its deputies, alongside assisting officers from the Dayton Police Department.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
