KPD e-News Release: Driver Wanted on Three Felonies After Evading Kingsport Police

The officer activated his blue lights and siren and caught up to the vehicle near the intersection of East Stone Drive at Pinebrook Place. The vehicle was occupied by two white males, and the driver would later be identified as Jerry R. Jones. The vehicle slowed to approximately 20 mph, traveled a short distance on the shoulder of the road, and then turned into a shopping complex.

As the vehicle traveled slowly through the parking lot, Mr. Jones turned to look at the officer, allowing the officer to clearly see his face. Mr. Jones then suddenly accelerated the vehicle through the parking lot and back onto Stone Drive, this time headed back west at a high rate of speed. The vehicle weaved back and forth, passed vehicles on the shoulder, and swerved back into the path of another vehicle, nearly causing a crash.

In the interest of public safety, the officer wisely chose not to pursue. The vehicle was later spotted by another officer, westbound on West Stone Drive near Deneen Lane, still at a high rate of speed. As the driver had just fled authorities, in the interest of public safety, the second officer also wisely chose not to pursue. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office were both notified of the incident and instructed to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

The Mitsubishi was registered to Sarah Jones in Church Hill, Tennessee. Approximately 15 minutes later, the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Ms. Jones wanting to report her car stolen. When the officer arrived to take the report, she initially claimed that her car had been stolen; however, she immediately broke down and started crying.

She then admitted that her husband, Jerry Jones, had left in the car at around 10:00 AM and returned at around 11:15 stating that he had just run from the police. She said that Mr. Jones had instructed her to report the car stolen, and that he immediately left the residence on foot. The car was soon located in close proximity to the residence.

The Kingsport Officer looked up Mr. Jones’ license photograph and confirmed that he was in fact the same individual whom he had seen driving the Mitsubishi. He also confirmed that Mr. Jones license was currently revoked and that he was currently classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender.

A warrant was obtained charging Mr. Jones with Driving on a Revoked License as a Habitual Traffic Offender (Felony), Felony Evading Arrest, and Felony Reckless Endangerment. He is currently still at large. A photo of Mr. Jones is included in this release. Be advised that this photo is several years old; however, his appearance is still quite similar. Anyone who knows where he can be located is asked to contact the K.P.D. Traffic Unit at 423-224-2750 or Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

http://police.KingsportTN.gov/Citizen_Feedback

30 Years of Age

Church Hill, TN

2) Felony Evading Arrest

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment