On Wednesday, the calm of Campbell County was disrupted by a brief yet intense pursuit initiated by members of the Campbell County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). The CCSO apprehended a man identified as Matthew Goins, 38, who held an active warrant from the Campbell County Criminal Court. According to a social media post by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting a surveillance operation on Powers Lane in LaFollette when they recognized and approached Goins.
Upon their encounter, the situation escalated when deputies discovered a glass jar containing what Goins himself identified as heroin. While at a glance, Goins appeared cooperative, requesting to secure tools and equipment, the circumstances took a quick turn. Goins attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in a borrowed dump truck, leading deputies in a pursuit that resulted in the destruction of two steel gates and a fence belonging to a local business and continued through a wooded area and over railroad tracks, eventually culminating in a crash on Gibson Lane.
The aftermath of the pursuit yielded multiple charges against Goins. The individual fled on foot, and deputies pursued. After repeated commands were ignored, a TASER was deployed, and deputies were able to take an individual into custody without further incident, as shared the Campbell County Sheriff's Office in their post. Goins is now facing an array of charges, including Felony Evading, Evading Arrest, Resist Stop Halt Frisk, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Violation of TN Financial Responsibility, Driving Without a License, Violation of Registration, Vandalism $1,000-10,000, Tampering With Evidence, and a Capias Bench Warrant Out of Criminal Court.
Sheriff Barton of the CCSO expressed commendation for the deputies involved in the apprehension. Matthew Goins is currently being held at the Campbell County Jail, where he awaits the next steps in his legal proceedings.
