A high-speed vehicle chase in Loudon County early this morning (Sunday, September 6, 2020) ended with an arrest.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., Deputy Eric Curtis observed a suspect who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel of a white Mitsubishi Eclipse in the drive-thru of McDonalds on State Route 72. When Deputy Curtis attempted to make contact with the driver, 25-year-old William D. Mann, he fled from the parking lot in an attempt to evade arrest.

A pursuit involving the Loudon and Roane County Sheriff’s Department started with Mann into the southwest most part of Loudon County for several miles. The chase was stopped because of Mann’s dangerous operation of his vehicle. Approximately 8 minutes later Mann was spotted again on Big Sandy Road. Mann attempted to escape by driving backwards then rammed Deputy Christian Rogers patrol car. The suspect got out of his automobile and ran away. Deputy Rogers and Deputy Kenny Palmer took Mann into custody a short time later.

Mann was arrested for DUI (2nd offense), felony evading arrest, felony reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and numerous other traffic violations. He was taken to the Loudon County Detention Center.