Saturday, October 21, 2017

Cocke County Grand Jury
A Cocke County Grand Jury meeting last week returned 51 true bills in pending cases. All of those indicted are to be arraigned on November 13. Ezekial Thompson who recently was involved in a jail escape which involved the injury of two corrections officers, has been indicted on multiple charges stemming from the August 8 incidents. Thompson, 25, Lower Bogard Raod, Newport, allegedly stole a truck owned by Tommy Hale loaded with various tools on August 8. Later that day, Newport Patrol Officer Jordan Douglas tried to stop Thompson but he fled. So now in addition to theft over $2,500, Thompson is charged with gfailure to yield to an emergency vehicle, reckless driving, failure to use due care, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon involved, evading arrest by motor vehicle and other traffic violations. In June, Matthew Presnell, 30, Keener Road, Cosby, was found to be in possession of 3.6 grams of methamphetamine as well as four suboxone strips near the Newport City Park. As a result he is charged with possession of methamphetamine in excess of .05 gram with the intent to sell and deliver in a drug free zone, possession of Suboxone with the intent to sell and deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Carl David Hurst, 31, Fairfax Road, Parrottsville, is charged with a number of offenses in March of this year. He was wanted on charges of operating a chop shop, altered VIN and theft over $1,000 when Trooper Paul Kilday came in pursuit. Hurst allegedly rammed a cruiser, struck a mailbox during the subsequent pursuit and also twice ran through a fence on Musterfield Road. During the chase he also nearly hit a three year-old child before the vehicle crashed into a block wall, where the pickup became disabled. Two female passengers, Julie Parker and Heather Atwell, fled the scene on foot but the women were stopped nearby. They told investigators that Hurst had not allowed them to leave the pickup. First Call EMS took Atwell to the Newport Medical Center for treatment of a possible head injury. The subject has been indicted on charges of two counts kidnapping, evading arrest by motor vehicle, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, evading arrest on foot, theft over $1,000 and driving on a suspended license. Terry M. Whitten, 59, Navaho Drive, lived with his mother, 79 year-old Zella Mae Whitten, and was responsible for caring for her when he was arrested in May. Mrs. Whitten said she had been beaten over the head with a cane, and initially lost consciousness. Her son had earlier allegedly told his mother "he was done caring for her, that they can come in the house and find your body, "according to police. The victim was in an incapacitated state due to failing health. After the assault of his mother, the defendant allegedly slashed his arms with a knife. Both subjects were sent to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment, and the defendant was released on Tuesday. Whitten was initially charged with attempted second degree murder, elder abuse and aggravated domestic assault, however the grand jury declined to indict him on the attempted second degree murder charge. James Hattaway, 27, Wright Road, Newport, was pursued through Newport in July. Officers attempted a traffic stop but Hattaway fled, traveling 60 to 70 miles per hour through a 30 mile zone, going through four stop signs, finally after a several mile chase, Hattaway hit the curb and went airborne, as a passenger attempted to jump from the car. The passengers said the driver was incoherent, smiling and with his tongue hanging out as he fled from police. When he finally stopped, Hattaway was taken into custody. His passengers, Jesse Ochoa, Brandon James and Jennifer Hurst said Hattaway would not allow them to leave the car during the chase. Hattaway now is indicted on three counts kidnapping, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, fleeing to evade by motor vehicle, DUI, and half a dozen traffic violations.


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