Driver blames erratic driving on verbal altercation with passenger

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- During routine patrol in Fincastle, Campbell County Sheriff’s Sgt, Tosha Tackett-Owens was forced to swerve to avoid a head-on collision with a speeding car. It was a little after noon on Wednesday afternoon when the sergeant immediately turned around in a nearby driveway initiating pursuit of a Buick sedan using emergency lights and siren.

Owens was now La Follette bound on Old Middlesboro Highway in a 40 mile per hour zone. Speeds during the pursuit reached 100mph along the Fincastle Church of God straight away, according to the report from the CCSO. Soon, the sergeant was able to pace the four-door car at 93 mph as they neared Big O’s Valley.

The Big O’s stop light was red for the suspect with two stopped vehicles in the left turn lane. The suspect vehicle allegedly swerved to the left of the two vehicles proceeding through the red light, crossing four lanes of travel onto the General Carl W. Stiner Highway all the while endangering east and west bound traffic. Owens paused briefly for safety at the intersection and proceeded through. The Buick continued La Follette bound on Stiner Hwy. before pulling over just beyond the state garage near State Lane.

Owens made contact with the driver and asked for identification from the driver and her passenger. The driver, Jessica Caddell, was unable to produce a valid driver’s license and allegedly stated she had been involved in a verbal altercation with her passenger, David Allen. Caddell claimed her erratic driving was due to the altercation, based on the report.

Caddell was told by the sergeant that she had clearly observed the red light and swerve around stopped vehicles. “Well, I know,” said Caddell, according to the report

Owens confirmed through dispatch that Caddell’s driver’s license was valid but subject to an ignition interlock requirement. Owens saw that the interlock device was installed on the Buick. Caddell was unable to provide proof of insurance.

The passenger, David Allen, was asked to step out of the car for a safety pat-down. Owens allegedly located two hypodermic needles in Allen’s left pants pocket, and he told the officer that he’d forgotten he had those.

Caddell and Allen were placed under arrest and transported to the Campbell County Jail at Jacksboro.

Caddell, 47, 161 Crestwood Drive, La Follette, was charged with speeding, reckless driving, failure to exercise due care, violation of the lane law, obedience to required traffic control device, driving without a license and failure to provide proof of insurance.

The lone charge levied against Allen, 52, 507 East Hemlock Street, La Follette, is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Caddell and Allen were both released on their own recognizance (ROR) the same day of their arrests. Each is due in court on Tue., Sep. 30. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/19/2025-6AM)

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