NEWPORT, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A multi-county vehicle pursuit ended in the capture of a wanted fugitive who now faces 14 separate criminal charges after an automated license plate reader alerted authorities to his presence in East Tennessee.
The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident began when a specialized FLOCK camera system flagged a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Michael Rozier. The system alerted dispatchers that Rozier had active, outstanding warrants as his vehicle crossed the county line.
When deputies attempted to execute a traffic stop, Rozier refused to pull over, initiating a high-speed chase that wound from West Highway 25/70 onto Indian Creek Road. The pursuit finally concluded when Rozier lost control of his vehicle and crashed heavily on Mullins Chapel Road.
K-9 Unit Tracks Blood Trail
Following the wreck, Rozier attempted to escape on foot. However, he sustained injuries in the crash, leaving behind a trail of blood at the scene. A Cocke County tracking K-9 easily located the trail, leading deputies directly to Rozier’s hiding spot.
Rozier was taken into custody by responding Jefferson County EMS personnel and transported under guard to Tennova Newport for medical evaluation and treatment of his crash-related injuries.
Massive Drug and Weapon Seizure Leads to 14 Charges
A subsequent search of Rozier’s vehicle uncovered a substantial stash of narcotics and weapons. Investigators recovered approximately 173 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 28.4 grams of marijuana, multiple forms of drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.
Consequently, the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office has charged Rozier with a sweeping list of 14 offenses:
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Kidnapping
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Felon in Possession of a Firearm
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Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony
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Evading Arrest by Vehicle
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Evading Arrest by Foot
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Aggravated Reckless Driving (3 counts)
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Possession of Methamphetamine over 5 grams while driving
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Sale and Delivery of Narcotics (2 counts)
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Possession of Schedule II Drugs
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Possession of Schedule VI Drugs
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Reckless Endangerment
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Speeding
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Failure to Maintain Lane
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Failure to Exercise Due Care
Authorities did not immediately release additional details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the kidnapping charge. Rozier will be booked into the Cocke County Jail immediately upon his medical release from the hospital.
