The search for two missing teenagers resumed early this morning near the Tennessee River Bridge. According to a social media post from the Loudon County Sheriff's Office. Multiple local agencies are assisting in the operation to locate the teenagers, who were last seen at the 74-mile marker along I-75.
The Sheriff's Office stated that the search was resumed "with renewed focus and determination" in an effort to provide answers to the families of the missing teenagers. As daylight diminished, search teams had to temporarily pause their efforts but plan to resume at first light the following morning. Law enforcement first became involved when the teenagers were spotted in a stolen vehicle and subsequently led officers on a pursuit around 4:00 a.m. yesterday. The vehicle was later found abandoned, and it is believed the teenagers fled the scene before officers arrived.
The Loudon County Sheriff's Office, along with assisting agencies such as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, have been utilizing various resources, including K-9 units and drones, to cover the area. Despite a widespread effort, the individuals remain missing. Following the vehicle's recovery, reports of vehicle break-ins in the Lake Drive community prompted a deputy to detain a male teenager that was allegedly involved in the earlier incident. During questioning, the detained male revealed that he and the other two teenagers had jumped into the water from the Tennessee River Bridge while evading the authorities.
Law enforcement continues their efforts to locate the missing teenagers. Anyone with information that could assist in the search is encouraged to contact the Loudon County Communication Center at 865-458-9081.
