Cocke County deputies say a Saturday traffic stop turned into a full-on pursuit that ended in a crash on Mullins Chapel Road, a foot chase, and a K9 track that stretched more than a mile before they arrested 42-year-old David Michael Rozier.
Deputies report recovering suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, a handgun, and $1,091 in cash after the wreck. They say Rozier was found by a K9 unit after he ran from the scene and was later taken to Tennova Newport for treatment of crash injuries. According to deputies, he is being held on a $500,000 bond.
How Deputies Say The Chase Unfolded
According to a post by the Cocke County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on West Highway 25/70 when the driver took off. The chase moved along Indian Creek Road, then onto Mullins Chapel Road, where the pursuit ended in a crash.
Deputies say the driver ran from the wreck, dropped a firearm while climbing a fence, and kept going on foot. A K9 team tracked the suspect about 1.4 miles before locating him. The post identifies the arrested man as 42-year-old David Michael Rozier.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies seized a 2022 Honda Accord, roughly 173 grams of suspected methamphetamine and about 28.4 grams of suspected marijuana, along with a handgun and $1,091 in cash. The post also states that Rozier had outstanding warrants from Hamblen County and now faces multiple counts, including evading, possession of meth while driving, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and kidnapping.
Evidence Recovered And Regional Context
The amounts Cocke County deputies report seizing come as law-enforcement agencies in East Tennessee have increased targeted narcotics actions this year. A recent DEA operation in the Knoxville area resulted in 70 arrests and more than 90 kilograms of drugs seized, according to the DEA, and state reporting has detailed other multi‑pound meth seizures in recent months per TBI Newsroom.
Legal Implications
The sheriff's office lists several felony counts. Under Tennessee law, the separate offense of possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony is codified at Justia as TCA 39‑17‑1324 and can carry significant penalties. Those allegations remain untested in court, and Rozier is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How To Contact Authorities
The sheriff's office asked anyone with information to contact investigators. The department's contact page lists the office phone number and a tip submission option via the Cocke County Sheriff's Office website. For information about the hospital where Rozier was taken, see Tennova Newport.
