A Sevierville woman was taken into custody Wednesday after a chaotic mid-morning police chase that started in a neighborhood off Berry Trail Drive and finally came to a stop on Veterans Boulevard in Pigeon Forge. Officers said the driver hit several civilian vehicles and at one point backed into a Sevierville police cruiser. No injuries were reported, and authorities said multiple criminal charges are expected as the case moves forward.
According to the City of Sevierville, officers were called to a 911 domestic disturbance on Berry Trail Drive at about 10:14 a.m. The first officer on scene reported an adult female behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Equinox who refused repeated commands to get out and "almost rolled into the officer" before speeding away. A short time later, other Sevierville officers spotted the Equinox on Middle Creek Road and attempted a high-risk stop. During that encounter, the driver threw the vehicle into reverse and struck a Sevierville patrol car, and at that point, officers were authorized to use a PIT maneuver to end the pursuit.
How the chase unfolded
As reported by WVLT, the chase snaked through residential areas before entering Pigeon Forge city limits and coming to a halt on Veterans Boulevard. WVLT’s coverage noted that multiple civilian vehicles were hit during the pursuit, and that officers were ultimately able to take the driver into custody without any reported injuries.
Charges and arrest
WATE 6 On Your Side identified the driver as 41-year-old Amanda Vandervort and reported that she faces a long list of charges, including domestic assault, evading arrest, theft of a vehicle, assault on a first responder, vandalism, reckless endangerment, and interference with a 911 call. According to the station, Vandervort was taken into custody on Veterans Boulevard in Pigeon Forge after officers carried out the authorized PIT maneuver.
Investigation and next steps
The City of Sevierville’s media release states that the investigation remains active, that the suspect’s name was initially withheld while warrants were prepared, and that additional charges are expected as officers finalize their case, according to the City of Sevierville. Investigators are asking anyone who may have video or other information related to the pursuit to contact local law enforcement as they continue to review what happened.
