From Tazewell Police Chief Jeremy Myers -
On Monday, July 12, 2021, at approximately 10:15 pm Officer Cindy Taylor was dispatched to U.S. Hwy. 25E in the Dogwood Heights area of Tazewell in reference to a reckless driver.
While in the area, Officer Taylor observed a red SUV traveling at a high rate of speed with no tail lights and pulling a trailer with no lights. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the driver fled. The vehicle traveled through both Tazewell and New Tazewell at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly, and into oncoming traffic.
The pursuit went into Union County where Union County units had deployed spike strips at Hickory Valley Road. The driver abruptly took a left turn into the Breadbox Market parking lot traveling behind the building and through residents yards until finally crashing at the intersection of Seymour Lane and Hickory Valley Rd.
The driver, identified as 56-year-old Bert Beeler of Union County, fled on foot. The passenger, identified as 26-year-old Dustin Hollis of White Bluff, Tn. was taken into custody without further incident.
During a search of the vehicle Officer Taylor located drugs and it was packed full of tools. The Tazewell Police Department are still seeking Bert L. Beeler and warrants have been issued for his arrest.
All parties are innocent until proven guilty.
Dustin Hollis was arrested and lodged in the Claiborne County Jail charged with: Possession of Schedule II Drugs (Methamphetamine), Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of schedule VI Drugs.
Officer Taylor was assisted by New Tazewell Police Department, Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.