An overnight pursuit that started after a vehicle almost hit a Loudon County deputy head-on, led to the capture of a suspect who allegedly stole a car from Sevierville.

At approximately 12:15 a.m. this morning (Friday, June 4, 2021), Deputy Dalton Harrison was driving on Beals Chapel Road when a vehicle came into his lane of travel, nearly striking his patrol unit head-on. Harrison immediately attempted to initiate a traffic stop and reported that the vehicle’s driver, 31-year-old Tony W. Thompson of Morristown, appeared to be intoxicated. Moments later Thompspn ran off of Beals Chapel and through a yard of a private residence. He entered back into Martel Road and the chase continued for several miles. Law enforcement deployed spike strips, causing two of the vehicles tire to deflate resulting in the pursuit ending on Martel Road and Avery Circle.

Thompson was taken into custody. Authorities say he has a very lengthy felony criminal history and reportedly admitted to injecting heroine and other narcotics while fleeing deputies.

Thompson was arrested for DUI, evading arrest, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a stolen vehicle.