A Sevier County inmate was caught Monday afternoon after a short bid for freedom that began when he jumped a jail annex fence and fled in an SUV, according to authorities.
Stanley J. Wallace of Kingston faces new charges of felony jail escape, two counts of aggravated assault on an officer, two counts of felony vandalism and one count of motor vehicle theft, according to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office. He was awaiting prosecution on a theft charge from December investigated by Sevierville police.
Wallace was in a fenced recreation yard when he fled about 3:34 p.m. Monday, according to authorities. He vaulted the fence, forced open a gate and ran on foot.
A witness told a pursuing corrections officer that Wallace had driven off in a red Chevy Blazer at a business about 300 yards away. The witness reported seeing the Chevy head north on Old Knoxville Highway. Authorities believe Wallace stole the SUV.
About 3:48 p.m., a Sevierville Police Department officer saw a vehicle matching the SUV's description on state Highway 66. It turned onto Alder Branch Road and into a driveway, according to the Sheriff's Office.
When a Sevierville officer tried to stop the vehicle, according to authorities, it hit the cruiser. Another officer arrived. The Chevrolet hit his vehicle as well, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Despite police orders at gunpoint to stop, the driver tried to get away, heading toward both of the officers. One of them then shot out a rear tire of the Blazer.
Wallace was taken to the main jail.
"The Tennessee Highway Patrol was called to the scene to investigate the damage to the police vehicles, and additional charges may be pending," according to the Sheriff's Office.
