Anderson County deputies are in an active manhunt for Joshua Sykes after officials say a late-night traffic stop turned violent and left a deputy dragged by a vehicle before the suspect crashed and ran off into the dark.
The sheriff's office says Sykes faces multiple charges, including assault on a first responder, evading arrest, resisting arrest and simple possession. Authorities say he should be considered dangerous and are urging residents not to approach him.
According to WATE, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on Oak Ridge Highway at Cedar Hills Drive just before 11 p.m. Thursday. Investigators say Sykes sped away during the stop and dragged a deputy with his car, creating what officials described as an extremely dangerous situation for everyone involved.
Officers later found the vehicle crashed in the 1100 block of Laurel Road. According to deputies, Sykes ran from that scene toward the 400 block of Laurel Road, triggering an intensive search in the area.
Per the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, anyone who sees Sykes should stay away, call 911 immediately or contact sheriff's dispatch at 865-457-2414. Deputies say investigators are canvassing the area and working with neighboring agencies as the search continues.
What the charges mean
Tennessee law includes tougher penalties when public safety personnel are targeted. Tennessee Code § 39‑13‑116 outlines assault and aggravated-assault provisions involving law enforcement and first responders, including mandatory fines and minimum jail sentences in some situations.
How to help
Anyone with information about Sykes's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the sheriff's office nonemergency line and dispatch at 865-457-2414. The sheriff's office continues to urge residents not to confront the suspect and to let trained officers handle the investigation.
