KPD e-News Release: Motorist Arrested After Reckless Drive to Hospital Ends in Crash

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

Upon arrival at the scene of the crash, officers located the black pickup in question. The ensuing investigation revealed that a 2000 black Ford F-350 full-size pickup, driven by Mack Delaney Roberts and occupied by Katie M. Bowser, was northbound on Fort Henry Drive approaching a red light at the intersection of East Center Street. A 2009 white Honda Civic 4-door compact sedan, driven by Mary J. Yeager and occupied by a 7-month old child, was westbound through the same intersection with a green light. The Ford ran the red light, striking the Honda in the driver’s side. The Ford then continued through the intersection, striking and destroying an A.E.P. Utility Pole.

Mr. Roberts was not wearing his seatbelt and received minor injuries in the crash. He was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. for treatment. Fortunately, nobody else was injured in the crash. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene.

Mr. Roberts acknowledged that his light was red, but he attempted to explain his reckless actions. He stated that he was en route from his home to Holston Valley Medical Center to visit a relative who had been admitted for a heart attack. He told officers that he had activated his vehicle’s hazard lights and was flashing his headlights along the route to warn other motorists. He also claimed his brakes failed just prior to the crash.

After being released from the hospital, Mr. Roberts was arrested for 3 counts of Felony Reckless Endangerment and No Seatbelt and transported to the Kingsport City Jail.

The Kingsport Police Department would like to use this unfortunate incident as an example of what not to do. While receiving news of a loved one being admitted to the hospital with a life-threatening emergency is obviously a serious matter, driving recklessly and putting one’s own life and the lives of others at risk is certainly not the appropriate response. It is much better to follow all traffic laws and get to the hospital a little bit slower, but safely, than to not get there at all.

While not applicable in this particular case, K.P.D. also issues a warning that it is illegal for a motorist to follow directly behind an ambulance running its emergency lights and siren while transporting a family member to the hospital.

34 Years of Age

Piney Flats, TN

2) No Seatbelt

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit