KPD e-News Release: Suspect Driver Indicted for Multiple Offenses Contributing to 2013 Fatal Crash

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

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

On September 21, 2013 at approximately 6:00 PM the Kingsport Police Department was notified of a multiple vehicle crash with injuries on Fort Henry Drive at Thornton Drive.

The investigation revealed that a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Jeremy R. Sturgill with a juvenile passenger, was northbound on Fort Henry Drive and was approaching the intersection with Thornton Drive. A 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Melissa A. Lambert, was westbound on Thornton Drive, preparing to cross Fort Henry Drive once the traffic signal changed from red to green.

The signal on Fort Henry Drive changed from green to red signaling traffic to stop. Meanwhile, when the signal on Thornton Drive changed from red to green, the Chevrolet entered the intersection.

Mr. Sturgill failed to stop his Jeep Cherokee for the red signal. His vehicle entered the intersection and struck the Chevrolet on the left side. After the impact, the Jeep Cherokee rotated counter-clockwise and came to rest across the northbound traffic lanes. The Chevrolet rotated counter-clockwise and struck a 2010 Honda Accord that was southbound on Fort Henry Drive and temporarily stopped for the signal at Thornton Drive. The Honda was driven by Angela Hayes with passenger, Michael Hayes.

After this second impact the Chevrolet rolled backward in the southbound lanes of Fort Henry Drive and experienced a third impact when it struck a 2013 Jeep Patriot driven by George Williams with passenger, Eric Black, that was stopped behind the Honda.

Mr. Sturgill and the juvenile passenger from the Jeep Cherokee were transported to Holston Valley Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, Ms. Lambert, was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center but ultimately died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The occupants of the Honda and the Jeep Patriot were not injured. All seven occupants of all four vehicles involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

An in-depth investigation including scientific crash reconstruction and toxicology analysis was completed by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit, with their findings being presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury in May 2014. The Grand Jury returned a true bill, and a capias was issued charging Jeremy Rick Sturgill with:

1) Vehicular Homicide by an Intoxicated Person

2) Reckless Aggravated Assault (2 Counts)

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Driving Under the Influence (2nd Offense)

5) Speeding (64 mph in a 45 mph Zone)

6) Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (Running a Red Light)

On June 2, 2014 at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Surgill turned himself in at the Sullivan County Jail. He was released less than an hour later after posting a $100,000 bond.

36 Years of Age

Jonesville, Virginia

2) Reckless Aggravated Assault (2 Counts)

3) Felony Reckless Endangerment

4) Driving Under the Influence (2nd Offense)

5) Speeding (64 mph in a 45 mph Zone)

6) Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (Running a Red Light)

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit