Vehicle fleeing from law causes accident
By: Amanda Hill Bond
On Saturday, December 12th around 6 p.m., Pickett County Deputy Micah Board was attempting to stop a vehicle on Pendergrass Rd., whose driver was suspected to be a person who had an arrest warrant for violation of probation, when it fled.
The report states that a 1999 Chevy Lumina driven by Ernie Rigney, 23, Brannum Rd., crossed the intersection of Hwy. 111 and was traveling West on Cove Creek Road. According to witness statements, the vehicle recklessly passed another vehicle in a no passing zone shortly before striking the right rear of a 2005 Ford Mustang driven by Kelsie Mitchell of Fairview Rd.
Mitchell was traveling east on Cove Creek Rd. and was attempting to make a left on Smyrna Road when the she was hit.
After the impact, the Lumina traveled approximately 150 feet down road, struck and ditch and a barbwire fence and came to rest in a field where Rigney then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
There were three other passengers in the Lumina which were not injured nor face with any charges.
Mitchell was transported to Livingston Regional Hospital with minor injuries.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers Kendell Grasty and Neil Matthews are investigating the accident and charges are currently pending on Rigney.