Richard Fowler
Multiple County High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Smith County
A high-speed vehicle pursuit that began in Trousdale County ended in Smith County after spike strips were deployed by Smith County deputies at the intersection of Hiawassee and Highway 70 on August 7.
Trousdale County Deputy Morgan initially noticed a silver Dodge Ram traveling south on River Road in Trousdale County. The same vehicle had also fled from officers a few nights earlier.
Deputy Morgan tried to stop the Dodge Ram after the driver, Richard Fowler, failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Cedar Bluff and Lebanon Pike. Fowler also had a female passenger in the vehicle.
Fowler continued to evade Deputy Morgan and a high-speed chase continued into Smith County on Hiawassee Road with speeds reaching 80 to 90 miles per hour.
The Dodge Ram came to a halt when the front tire was destroyed by a spike strip engaged by Smith County deputies.
After being taken into custody, it was discovered that Fowler was a convicted felon in possession of methamphetamine, along with scales, and a loaded Ruger P95 handgun. The Dodge Ram was also stolen out of Metro Nashville. Fowler was also driving on a suspended license.
According to the police report, Fowler admitted that the methamphetamine belonged to him. He also admitted that his female passenger had asked him to stop during the high-speed pursuit.
The female passenger was not charged and was not arrested.
Fowler was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun during the commission of a felony, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of stolen property, driving on a revoked license for DUI, resisting stop/frisk/halt and evading in a motor vehicle.
