KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – A Knoxville man is facing a slew of charges following a deadly crash on Maynardville Highway late Thursday night.
According to court records obtained by WVLT News, a witness saw 39-year-old Jose Roberto Rivera Recarte leave a bar in Union County, noting that he “appeared too impaired to drive and offered to give him a ride, but the suspect refused and began driving South on Maynardville Highway toward Knox County.” The witness then called the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
The warrant said Union County officers found Rivera Recarte’s car and started a chase. He initially stopped on Maynardville Pike but ran from the scene.
Shortly thereafter, the report said he crashed, crossing over the median and hitting two other cars in the turn lane, killing two people. They have not been identified.
The crash resulted in the roadway being shut down for an extended period of time into Friday morning.
Rivera Recarte was not wearing a seatbelt and had to be pulled from the car by an officer, the warrant said. The officer said he had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol.
Rivera Recarte has been charged with the following:
- Two counts of vehicular homicide, driver intoxication
- Evading arrest, risk of death or injury, vehicle involved
- Aggravated assault, reckless attempt
- Driving on roadways laned for traffic
- Financial responsibility law
- Reckless endangerment, deadly weapon involved
- Implied consent, enhancement only
- Driving without a license
- Drivers to exercise due care
- Seat belt, 18 and older
He is set to appear in court Wednesday morning for an arraignment.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. WVLT News has requested the agency’s preliminary report.
