SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (May 26): According to the wife of Johnathan Dodd, the deputy is improving while in the hospital.
Toro, his K-9 partner, is also expected to make a full recovery. On Thursday, his K-9 reunited with Dodd. Officials said he was excited to be reunited, and eager for pets and cuddles.
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A Sevier County deputy remains in the hospital in critical condition after crashing into a truck during a pursuit that started on Interstate 40 Saturday night.
Chief Deputy Michael Hodges said deputy Johnathan Dodd was involved in a crash while on duty. Hodges said Dodd remains in "critical but stable condition," saying he has several obstacles to overcome.
Dodd's K-9 partner, Toro, also suffered minor injuries in the crash but is expected to make a full recovery.
According to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, Dodd tried to pull over a car on I-40 East at exit 412 to Deep Springs Road Saturday night around 11:45 p.m.
The SCSO said the car didn't stop and tried to drive away from Dodd. As he chased the car, the SCSO said Dodd crashed into a truck that was towing a trailer.
The truck occupants were examined by medical staff at the scene, and Dodd was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Sevier County Fire Department and several other law enforcement agencies including Knox County Sheriff's Office and Cocke County Sheriff's Office wrote in social media posts their support for deputy Dodd and his family.
The SCSO said it is still looking for the vehicle that fled, which was described to be a silver Lincoln passenger car.
"We appreciate the cooperation, quick response and medical care and treatment offered to the citizens involved and to our deputy and K-9 partner, Toro. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Sevier County Sheriff's Office at 865-453-4668 or the Tennessee Highway Patrol at 865-594-5800," the SCSO said.