On September 5, 2025, at approximately 11:45 AM, Corporal Brandon Griffin of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle driven by a white male, later identified as Sammy Royal Spivey Jr., crossing the center line on Cowpen Road in Crossville without a seatbelt. When Griffin attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled onto Sandy Creek Road, leading to a pursuit through a backyard and onto a dirt trail.

The vehicle was abandoned, and a registration check linked it to a female passenger. Deputy Devyne Templeton suggested Spivey as the driver, confirmed by a booking photo. On September 7, 2025, Deputy Jordan Winningham spotted the same vehicle on Highway 70 North, and after another chase, apprehended Spivey at 1015 Linder Loop.

The passenger, present during the initial incident, confirmed Spivey was driving her vehicle and described their escape route. Spivey, after waiving his Miranda rights, indirectly admitted to fleeing due to lacking a driver’s license. He was charged with felony evading arrest, with a court date set for September 29, 2025, and a bond of $10,000.