KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A 36-year-old man wanted on more than 40 charges has been arrested following a multi-county pursuit involving a stolen truck that ended with a crash in Union County.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, Anthony Coffey was taken into custody after attempting to flee from officers and being caught following a brief foot chase.
Authorities said officers assigned to KPD’s Community Engagement Response Team located Coffey while working alongside the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office and Maynardville Police Department. Investigators said Coffey was wanted on more than 40 charges from several area law enforcement agencies, though the specific charges were not released.
Stolen Truck Reported in Knox County
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was reported stolen in Knox County around 2:15 a.m. Thursday.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., a THP trooper spotted the vehicle in Claiborne County and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities said the driver refused to stop and led troopers on a pursuit into Union County.
The chase ended when the truck crashed off State Route 33 near Lewis Green Hollow. Following the crash, the driver fled on foot.
THP later identified the driver as Coffey.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Arrest Follows Foot Pursuit
KPD said officers later located Coffey while conducting a coordinated search with multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to police, Coffey attempted to run from officers again but was captured after a short foot pursuit. Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the arrest.
Timeline Discrepancy Remains Unclear
A discrepancy remains between timelines released by law enforcement agencies.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the attempted traffic stop and subsequent chase began Thursday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. However, KPD described the pursuit as occurring Thursday night.
Officials have not explained the difference in the timelines.
Additional details regarding Coffey’s outstanding charges and the circumstances surrounding his arrest have not yet been released.
