“Gatlinburg Man Crashes into Multiple Vehicles on I-40, Attacks Off-Duty Sheriff: Erwin Lanza Faces Multiple Charges”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Several individuals sustained injuries as a result of multiple crashes on Interstate 40, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has reported that the driver responsible for the accidents also attacked and injured an off-duty sheriff who pursued him. The incident took place in Knox County, Tennessee, and a Gatlinburg man is now facing several charges in connection with the incident.

The series of events unfolded on Saturday afternoon in the Turkey Creek area of West Knox County. Numerous witnesses called 911 to report a pickup truck that was speeding and driving erratically on westbound Interstate 40. According to the arrest and crash reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the truck rear-ended one vehicle and then swerved into the sides of two other vehicles. It then reversed and collided with a Tennessee Department of Transportation work truck that had its flashing lights on.

Following the collisions, the truck continued to drive for approximately 2 to 3 miles down the interstate. At the same time, off-duty Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis was traveling on the same stretch of I-40. Sheriff Davis noticed the truck veering all over the road and crashing into other vehicles, prompting him to follow the truck and contact 911 to provide information on its whereabouts.

The pursuit came to an end when the truck crashed into the center concrete barrier near the North Campbell Station Road exit. Sheriff Davis exited his vehicle and approached the truck to check on the driver. However, the driver unexpectedly emerged from the vehicle and initiated a physical altercation with Sheriff Davis. The arrest report states that the assailant struck Sheriff Davis in the head and ribs, resulting in injuries to the sheriff.

Law enforcement officers promptly took the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Erwin Lanza from Gatlinburg, into custody. Officers detected the smell of alcohol on Lanza and observed slurred speech. Consequently, they transported him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. While at the hospital, a trooper conducted a sobriety test on Lanza, which indicated signs of impairment. However, Lanza refused to undergo a blood draw and was subsequently read his Miranda rights.

During questioning, Lanza admitted to driving at approximately 100 mph on I-40 and acknowledged that he was not wearing a seatbelt. As a result of the crashes, multiple individuals sustained injuries, including Lanza himself. The THP crash report reveals that two occupants of the first vehicle that was rear-ended suffered injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle that was sideswiped also sustained injuries. Fortunately, a 1-year-old child in the third vehicle that was struck did not suffer any harm.

Sheriff Davis, on the other hand, suffered multiple broken ribs as a result of the attack. The incident report highlights the severity of his injuries. Lanza now faces several charges, including driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, felony aggravated assault, and leaving the scene of an accident. Additionally, he is also facing other traffic violations and has an immigration hold.

Following his arrest, Lanza was booked into jail and is currently being held on a combined bond amounting to $9,000. He is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. In August, Lanza received citations from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for speeding in a construction zone while workers were present and for not possessing a Tennessee driver’s license after establishing 30-day residency. However, both of these citations were dismissed in September.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of drunk driving and reckless behavior on the roads. It also highlights the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers, such as Sheriff Davis, who put their lives at risk to protect the public. The THP continues to investigate the crashes and the assault, while the injured parties focus on their recovery..