TAZEWELL, Tenn. — The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a man is facing DUI and vehicular assault charges after two people, including an EMT, were injured in a crash on U.S. Highway 25E late Thursday night.
The Tazewell Police Department and THP initially responded to a crash involving an ambulance Thursday night around 10:44 p.m. at U.S. Highway 25E and Cave Springs Road.
According to TPD and THP, a Claiborne County EMS ambulance was driving northbound on the highway when a vehicle turning left onto Cave Springs Road hit them, causing the ambulance to veer off the road. The car stopped sideways in the northbound lane, THP said.
The ambulance crew was able to keep control and stopped the vehicle safely, police said. TPD said one of their officers arrived as the EMTs, identified as Mason Capps and Joshua Hale, got out to check on the driver and provide aid. The driver was identified as 33-year-old David Johnson from Tazewell.
It was at this time that THP said a minivan driving north on U.S. 25E crashed into the disabled car and caused it to spin, injuring Hale and Johnson. TDP said it also nearly hit the officer.
THP said the minivan continued down the highway several hundred feet before being stopped by police. THP said the driver of the vehicle, 59-year-old John Islaub from Tazewell, did not yield to emergency equipment.
"Due to the nature of the accident and all parties involved Chief Jeremy Myers requested THP and THP’s CIRT team to conduct the investigation as TPD are also witnesses. This will be investigated by THP," the Tazewell Police Department said.
THP said Islaub is charged with two counts of vehicular assault, driving under the influence and reckless endangerment.
THP said charges could also be filed against Johnson in the ambulance crash pending the investigation.