MORLEY, TN (WLAF) – A LaFollette man is behind bars after trying to evade Campbell County Sheriff’s deputies who recognized he was driving on a revoked license.

Donald Anthony Ridenour, 34, was arrested on March 9 on Monday Hollow Lane.

According to a Campbell County Sheriff’s Department report, a Campbell County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling east on Highway 90 when he saw Ridenour drive by in a blue Ford Mustang. 

Officer Christopher West recognized Ridenour and that he was driving on a revoked license. The deputy turned around to initiate a traffic stop. According to the report, Ridenour was “traveling at such a high rate of speed” it took the deputy half a mile to catch up with the Mustang.

The deputy pulled in behind the Mustang as it parked at a residence on Monday Hollow. As soon as the vehicle was parked, two white males exited the vehicle. West identified Ridenour despite his attempt to cover his face. Ridenour was ordered to stop, but disobeyed the order and attempted to evade arrest on foot. The other white male began quickly walking towards Highway 90.

The deputy pursued Ridenour on foot for about 300 yards before closing the distance. According to the sheriff’s report, the deputy witnessed Ridenour allegedly attempt to tamper with evidence. Ridenour was then taken into custody and searched.

He was charged with evading arrest, resisting stop/frisk halt, possession of schedule I controlled substance for resale, manufacturing and delivery, possession of schedule II controlled substance for resale, manufacturing and delivery, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance for manufacturing, delivery and resale, possession of a schedule V controlled substance for resale manufacturing and delivery, possession of a prescription drug without a prescription, fourth DUI offense, violation of the implied consent law, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, failure to obey a police officer, destruction of evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked and driving an unregistered vehicle.

The other white male who had fled on foot was located by Sgt. Joe Hopson approximately half a mile west hiding in a culvert.

The man identified himself as Matthew Hightower. He was transported back to the residence at Monday Hollow Lane and was arrested for evading arrest.

While transporting the pair to the jail, officer West noticed Ridenour had slurred speech. According to the report, Hightower allegedly told deputies that Ridenour had taken methamphetamine and Heroin earlier in the day. 

Ridenour has a court date set for April 27 in Campbell County. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/12/2021-6AM)

Related