An early morning chase involving a stolen semi that started on Interstate 75 ended in Roane County on Thursday after deputies used spike strips and a K-9 track to bring the driver in. The tractor-trailer came to a stop after exiting at an industrial-park exit just inside Roane County, and officers say the driver took off on foot into nearby woods before they found him and transported him to the Roane County jail.
According to the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol called for backup after troopers reported a stolen semi headed north on I‑75. Loudon County deputies laid out spike strips that punctured the truck's tires. The post identifies the driver as Trever Helton of London, Kentucky, and says Loudon County sent in extra deputies, detectives, K-9 teams and a drone operator to help with the search. It adds that the suspect was ultimately found, taken into custody and taken to the Roane County jail.
Where the chase ended
Loudon County Corporal Cody Bengal told WVLT the search focused near the 2500 block of Buttermilk Road West off I‑40 and that the man was barefoot during the foot chase. The station reported the scene stayed active while troopers and deputies coordinated the manhunt.
Multi‑agency response and search tactics
According to the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, Roane County deputies later spotted the suspect and chased him back into the woods after a nearby business employee called Roane County dispatch. The caller reported that a man had approached a work truck and admitted he had run from law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office credited teamwork among the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Roane County and Loudon County for the arrest.
Officials had not released additional information about potential charges or a possible motive as of early reports, and WVLT noted the scene remained active while crews searched the area. Troopers continued patrolling the interstate corridor as the investigation moved forward.
