Dyer County man faces several charges following pursuit, assault against officer
PRESS RELEASE FROM DYER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
DYER COUNTY, TENN. — Earlier Tuesday, the Newbern Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speeding violation.
The driver refused to stop and fled from officers, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit. Officers subsequently terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
Moments later, for reasons that remain under investigation, the driver turned his vehicle around and deliberately struck a Newbern Police Department investigator’s vehicle head-on.
The investigator is believed to have sustained minor injuries as a result of this intentional act of violence against a law enforcement officer.
A second pursuit then ensued, during which the suspect vehicle traveled through the City of Dyersburg, into Lauderdale County, back into Dyer County, and eventually turned onto Highway 104 West toward Finley.
The suspect vehicle crashed near the 3000 block of Highway 104 West in an area commonly known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” The suspect was subsequently airlifted to the closest Level I Trauma Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The suspect, 27 year old JaShawn Branch of Dyersburg, faces numerous charges, including felony evading arrest, reckless endangerment, driving on suspended, and aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer by the Newbern Police Department as well as charges from the Dyersburg Police Department.
Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The Dyer County Sheriff’s Office commends the bravery and professionalism of all officers involved in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion.
Special thank you to the Newbern Police Department and Dyersburg Police Department for staying in the pursuit to protect public safety. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is the lead investigator agency into the crash.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further details are available for release at this time. This information is preliminary and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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