LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Last Friday afternoon LaFollette Police Captain Steve Wallen issued a be on the lookout for a maroon Ford Explorer. The vehicle was going south on South Tennessee Avenue and had driven through a traffic light on Central Avenue  nearly causing an accident. LPD Sergeant Noah Riggs saw a vehicle matching the description at the intersection of South Tennessee Avenue and Beech Street. According to a report from the LaFollette Police Department, when the driver who was later identified as John L. Muse Jr. saw Riggs, he continued on South Tennessee Avenue at a high rate of speed traveling south.  During this time, Riggs paced the vehicle at 70 mph in a 30 mph zone.  At this point he initiated lights and sirens, but Muse continued onto Claiborne Road for about a block and then turned east on East Woodland Court.  He then drove the vehicle up an embankment and over flower bushes.  Muse then fled into a residence at 105 East Woodland Court, according to the report.

Officers found him in the home near the pool, in a storage locker.  When officers commanded him to come out and show his hands, he would not do so.  Officers used pepper spray to make him come out of the locker.  When he came out, he attempted to elude officers, but was taken by force on the desk and refused to give officers his arms to be put in handcuffs.  After a brief struggle, officers were able to place him under arrest.

Prior to being placed in the patrol car, Muse was searched. The search revealed a 1-cc syringe and two infant syringes with cotton filters in the syringes believed to used for drug use.  A records check revealed Muse had three outstanding warrants and a revoked driver license for DUI with one prior driving charge.  When officers spoke with the owner of the vehicle, he stated that Muse did not have permission to have the vehicle, and that he must have stolen the vehicle earlier in the day.

Muse, 25, 105 East Woodland Courts, LaFollette is charged with evading arrest.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/30/2020-6AM)

One Reply to “LPD reportedly paces Explorer at 70 mph on South Tennessee Ave.”

  1. And is out on bail for numerous burglaries . DA was trying to give him help by getting into rehab. Guess that worked out! Put him behind bars and give him an extended stay!!! Great job LPD in the arrest.

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