From WRIL -
On Wednesday night January 8, 2020 Middlesboro Officers Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Barnes, and Dakota Torstrick were conducting an approved a safety checkpoint at the intersection of Highway 441 and Old Pineville Pike.
At approximately 10:44pm a white Dodge pickup operated by an individual, later identified as 40 year old Thomas Shane Hatfield of Middlesboro, approached the checkpoint driving into the opposing lane passing Officers Torstrick and Johnson recklessly.
Officer Barnes attempted a traffic stop on Hatfield but he failed to stop driving faster with speed over 80mph. As the pursuit traveled west on Highway 441 Hatfield drove on both sides of the roadway then turned abruptly on Tracy Ridge Road north then onto a private drive and into the yard of the residence exiting the truck.
As the pickup rolled towards the woods, Officer Johnson states that Hatfield reached into the vehicle grabbing something. He then fled behind the home into the woods with officers giving chase on foot.
During the foot pursuit, Johnson and Barnes ordered Hatfield to stop several times but he failed to do so. Officer Johnson states that he again saw something black in the hand of Hatfield as he looked back toward him and believed it may be a weapon. Johnson then deployed his taser to incapacitate Hatfield and after being hit a brief struggle ensued with the officers before he was taken into custody.
Hatfield was found to have a bench warrant and a probation violation warrant. Before being transported to the Bell County Detention Center, Hatfield was treated at Middlesboro ARH for the taser deployment.
Thomas Shane Hatfield was charged with fleeing or evading police – 1st degree (on foot), resisting arrest, criminal mischief – 3rd degree, failure to or improper signal, three counts of wanton endangerment – 1st degree police officer, reckless driving, speeding, improper registration plate and leaving the scene of an accident. He was also served the outstanding warrants.
He is being held without bond due to the probation violation.