A Knoxville man, identified as Jose Roberto Rivera Recarte, 39, is facing multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, following a fatal collision on Maynardville Highway, as reported by WVLT News. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, resulted in the death of two individuals whose identities have not been disclosed.
Before the crash, a witness at a Union County bar perceived that Rivera Recarte was too impaired to drive and even offered to provide a ride, an offer the suspect declined before setting off toward Knox County. Union County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the concerning behavior, court records show. Officers from Union County located Rivera Recarte and initiated a pursuit that ended when he fled after a temporary stop, according to arrest records obtained by WBIR. Rivera Recarte ultimately crossed a median and collided with two vehicles in a turn lane, causing two fatalities.
Following the collision, officers noted Rivera Recarte's bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, signifying intoxication; initial assertions by Rivera Recarte to an officer of having consumed just one drink were soon contradicted by his claim of having had none. Rivera Recarte, upon failing multiple field sobriety tests, was taken into custody, as detailed in reports from WATE.
Charges against Rivera Recarte include evading arrest with the risk of death or injury, driving without a license, and aggravated assault, among others; further, his belligerent behavior at the University of Tennessee Medical Center was documented where Recarte was resistant with staff and UT Police, officials also discovered that Rivera Recarte had no vehicle insurance and provided a Honduran passport, he is also being held for immigration authorities, as noted by WATE. He is expected to appear in court for arraignment on the upcoming Wednesday, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol continuing its investigation into the crash.
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