Saturday around 7:20 PM, a Cumberland County deputy observed the driver of a small silver car fail to stop at a stop sign at Westel Road and Highway 70 East. The vehicle rolled in front of the deputy’s patrol unit, into the middle of the highway when the female passenger of the car swung open the door and nearly fell out of the vehicle. The female was then pulled back into the vehicle.

The deputy got behind the car and headed outbound on Highway 70 East. The vehicle suddenly started to accelerate, when the deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop. The deputy followed the driver going down the mountain and noted the driver did not stop at the stop sign and entered the city of Rockwood reaching speeds of 85 MPH. While traveling through Rockwood the driver passed several patrol cars and Roane County deputies joined the pursuit.

According to the police report, the vehicle went through multiple red lights nearly causing a vehicle collision several times. When units got to Harriman, the driver took Interstate 40 Eastbound when the vehicle finally stopped at mile marker 360.

The driver was identified as 37-year-old Dennis Johnson who was placed into custody. He stated he stopped because the vehicle ran out of gas. He alleged he did not want to run from the cops, but his passenger told him not to stop. Dispatch confirmed Johnson had two active warrants and no driver’s license.

The female passenger, Jessica Davis would not give the deputies her name but she was identified by deputies as knowing her from previous incidents. It was also noted in the police report that Ms. Davis stated if she was driving the car, they would have never caught her. She attempted to drive the car from the scene, but it was out of gas. She was transported to a near gas station and waited for her ride.