Caryville Police high speed pursuit ends as suspect’s tire goes bad

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- A high speed weekend event on I-75 began in an unusual way and ended with a smoldering tire. On routine patrol just after midnight on Sunday, a burgundy Kia Optima caught the attention of Caryville Police Officer Therman Pearson.

The officer saw the Kia exit the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The Kia then stopped in the road, sat for a moment, and then went in reverse back into the parking lot. That’s where Officer Pearson became involved.

The man behind the wheel of the Kia became belligerent and hostile and stated that he didn’t have a driver’s license, according to the police report. Tavin Greenlee then handed over a Tennessee ID to the officer. A strong odor of marijuana was allegedly noticed by the officer as Greenlee and his female passenger explained that they had a room at the HI Express and that they were just looking for Greenlee’s phone.

Greenlee was advised to put the Kia in park. He didn’t and aggressively accelerated the sedan striking the officer and nearly his police cruiser, the report said. The Kia traveled through the parking lot at a high rate of speed with Greenlee’s female passenger screaming for him to let her out. He didn’t stop, and she jumped out.

The female sustained no injuries, according to the report.

Pearson saw Greenlee head toward I-75 and go south, and he followed in his cruiser. Speeds reached 90 miles per hour in the 65-MPH zone. When almost to Rocky Top Exit 129, Pearson smelled burning rubber and then saw sparks coming from the Kia’s right front rim, the report said.

The Kia eventually slowed to a complete stop. Greenlee placed both hands outside the driver’s window showing he was giving up. Greenlee was taken into custody without further incident.

Greenlee, 28, Oak Ridge, faces multiple charges including speeding, evading arrest, reckless driving and assault against an officer. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/30/2026-6AM)