LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Carjacking charges have been levied against two men after they lured their victim to a secluded area and took his car. One of the men allegedly used a deadly weapon to steal the victim’s Buick SUV.

La Follette Police issued a be on the lookout (BOLO) soon after 11pm Tuesday when a possible carjacking was reported. The car was a 2015 blue Buick Encore, likely headed to Caryville. An LPD Officer attempted a traffic stop on the Buick, and that was the start of a pursuit.

The initial incident took place in the 400 block of High Knob Road, just outside the La Follette city limits, near the Goat Rock Bridge. Involved were the two alleged carjackers, Julian Sennett, Dalton Carroll, and the victim, the report stated.

Dalton Carroll

The victim contacted Sennett asking to “hang out” with him. Sennett could be picked up 117 Pecan Court in La Follette, the report said he told the victim.

The victim was introduced to Carroll by Sennett, and Carroll asked the victim if he would give him a ride to meet someone who was picking him up. The victim agreed but was unsure of the final destination. The trio eventually crossed a bridge, later determined to be the Goat Rock Bridge, and parked in a pull out just past the bridge.

Sennett was riding shotgun with the victim behind the wheel, and Carroll was in the back seat. The victim told police both men allegedly shoved his head into the driver’s window and began striking him with their fists until he exited the SUV. Carroll followed the victim out of the Buick demanding his phone, which was still in the vehicle. He also allegedly threatened to slit his throat with a razor, the report said. The victim said Carroll had something silver or gray in his hand, according to the police report.

Julian Sennett

Carroll jumped back in the SUV, Sennett crawled across the console, and they allegedly sped away. The victim ran up High Knob Road trying to get someone to come to their door, and he finally did. A call to 911 was made, and La Follette Police were alerted.

The pursuit that began after the unsuccessful traffic stop continued for more than 20 miles. The carjackers led La Follette Police on a chase through La Follette, Jacksboro, Caryville and onto I-75 North. The SUV turned off the interstate at Exit 141 and headed up the Baker Highway with LPD Sgt. Shane Tielman in pursuit.

A couple of hundred feet past the Pioneer Post Office, the Buick ran out of gas. The driver, Sennett, ran while Carroll came out with his hands up. A Caryville Police Officer arrived and cuffed Carroll. Tielman caught Sennett following a brief chase; Tielman then arrested him.

Dalton Carroll, 20, of 117 Pecan Court, La Follette, is charged with carjacking, carjacking with a weapon.

The charges levied against Julian Sennett, 22, of 205 Venus Road, Powell, are felony evading arrest, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, no driver’s license, hold for Knox County, evading arrest, speeding, failure to maintain lane, tampering with or fabricating evidence, carjacking, carjacking without a weapon or assault. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/17/2023-6AM)

Related