Rhea County, TN – On the evening of May 27, 2025, the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Graysville Police Department in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle that originated within the city limits of Graysville, Tennessee inside of Rhea County.

The pursuit continued and entered the City of Dayton, prompting immediate notification and response from the Dayton Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. While fleeing through Dayton, the suspect vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle near the intersection of Armstrong Ferry Road and Blythes Ferry Road.

Rhea EMS was dispatched to the scene and provided emergency response for the crash. All four individuals inside the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot following the collision.

The Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, Dayton Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Graysville Police Department quickly established a perimeter in the surrounding area. Rhea County Emergency Management deployed two drones to provide aerial support and overwatch for the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Tracking Team.

One suspect was taken into custody shortly after tracking began. The remaining three suspects evaded capture for several hours. A second suspect was apprehended in the early morning hours near Rhea Pet Med on Hiwassee Highway, by the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office K9 tracking team. The final two suspects were located and taken into custody shortly after, in the area of Rhea County Highway, by the Graysville Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, a handgun, associated with the suspects was recovered in the area.

Additionally, through investigative efforts, it was determined that some of the suspects had active federal charges and outstanding warrants from other states and counties. These findings are being coordinated with the appropriate federal and out-of-state agencies to ensure proper prosecution and extradition.

All involved agencies worked in coordination throughout the night to ensure public safety and successfully apprehend the fleeing individuals.

Statement from Sheriff Mike Neal:

“This was an outstanding example of interagency cooperation. I’m proud of the teamwork shown by our deputies, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Dayton and Graysville Police Departments, and our emergency responders. Everyone involved worked tirelessly through the night to ensure the suspects were brought into custody safely. I also want to thank Rhea County EMA for the use of their drone assets, which greatly enhanced our ability to locate the suspects. Our community is safer because of these joint efforts.”

Let this serve as a clear message: “if you choose to break the law and endanger the public in Rhea County, you will be met with a swift, coordinated, and effective law enforcement response.”

AARON HAVIS

Leaving the scene of an accident

Resisting, evading arrest

Fugitive from Justice

Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon

Theft of property

KEYONTA BENTLEY

Leaving the scene of an accident

Reckless endangerment

Resisting, evading arrest

Several traffic related offenses

Fugitive from Justice

KEEYAN YATES

Leaving the scene of an accident

Resisting, evading arrest

Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon

Theft of Property

KENNETH MOORE

Leaving the scene of an accident

Resisting, evading arrest

Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon

Theft of Property