Blair given 35 years for attempted murder, other charges

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Joshua Blair, the subject of a 72-hour manhunt in March 2022, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Blair ran from police, drove through multiple fields and yards as he racked up charges that night. Police soon closed in on him and just before he exited the stolen truck, Blair put it in reverse, ramming the police cars that had been pursuing him, according to reports at the time.

He then evaded police for nearly three days before being located in a parking lot of a business on the east side of La Follette.

In November 2023, following a two-day trial, a jury found Blair guilty of three counts of attempted second degree murder, one count of evading arrest, one count of vandalism over $1,000, two counts of vandalism over $10,000, five counts of reckless endangerment, and six counts of aggravated assault.

The state was assisted in prosecuting the case by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. At trial, the state was represented by Assistant District Attorneys General Lindsey C. Cadle and Blake A. Mullins.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 3/28/2024-6AM)