“There were never eighteen cars.”

That’s what Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox told 1057 News this afternoon about the number of law-enforcement vehicles involved in a high-speed chase Friday evening that originated in Cumberland County and ended in Bledsoe County. “That would represent an entire day shift and night shift, and we don’t have the kind of resources for that,” Cox said, shaking his head for emphasis.

He said four Crossville police vehicles were involved, matching the four Cumberland County deputies’ vehicles. Tennessee Highway Patrol had two vehicles in the chase; and a supervisor’s vehicle would account for the one unmarked car. Add to that whatever Bledsoe County vehicles joined the chase and that’s it, Cox said.

He also explained not all the cars were involved in the chase the whole time; some vehicles were acting in support roles, setting out spike strips or trying to get ahead of the suspect.

Cox also said, based on what THP authorities told him, the female passenger was the only one airlifted to Erlanger Hospital.

Cox confirmed THP has taken over the investigation and will be responsible for filing charges at the state level, because the pursuit crossed multiple jurisdictions. Bledsoe County will also likely be filing charges against 26-year-old Robert Lee Howard of Spencer. Cumberland County deputies have filed warrants against Howard, who faces charges of evading arrest, reckless endangerment and driving on a revoked or suspended license.

In addition, Cox was unable to say whether deputies had successfully recovered the item thrown from the suspect’s vehicle on POW Camp Road. An extensive search of the area had ensued. “I’m assuming it was drug related,” Cox said.