Suspect Arrested After Escaping Jail and Stealing Vehicle

Sevierville Police Department (SPD) officers arrested 25-year old Stanley J. Wallace of Kingston, TN yesterday afternoon, Monday, March 16, 2015 after he allegedly escaped from the Sevier County Jail and stole a vehicle.

At approximately 3:43PM yesterday afternoon, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) notified SPD dispatchers that Mr. Wallace had escaped from the jail annex located on Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville. Moments later, dispatchers received a call from a man at 1014 Old Knoxville Highway reporting that his 1992 Chevrolet Blazer had just been stolen. SCSO jail staff reported to SPD dispatchers that Mr. Wallace was driving the stolen Blazer.

Within a few minutes, SPD Officer Mike Israel located the vehicle turning from Gists Creek Road onto Highway 66 northbound. The Blazer then turned east onto Alder Branch Road. SPD Sgt. Bryan Lewelling, who had been traveling west on Alder Branch Road, turned around and joined Officer Israel.

In the area of 319 Alder Branch Road, Mr. Wallace turned into and out of a driveway and attempted to travel back west on Alder Branch Road, ramming his vehicle into Officer Israel’s patrol vehicle and then twice into Sgt. Lewelling’s patrol vehicle. Mr. Wallace backed-up his vehicle partially onto the shoulder and continued his attempts to evade capture. After Mr. Wallace ignored repeated  commands to stop and turn-off the engine, Sgt. Lewelling shot three times with his pistol into the right rear tire of the Blazer. Mr. Wallace subsequently surrendered and was taken into custody and transported to the Sevier County Jail.

SPD officers charged Mr. Wallace with motor vehicle theft. Charges by other agencies include aggravated assault, vandalism and escape from a jail.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.