Traffic investigator Andy Smith of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is recovering from injuries that he received in a head-on crash Sunday afternoon on Dalton Pike.
Investigation of the accident revealed a vehicle that was traveling toward Cleveland being driven by Jeremy Edward Pinson crossed over the centerline into the path of Deputy Smith’s patrol car.
After the crash, Pinson fled the scene in an SUV driven by an acquaintance, Knox Gilliland Hagler, who was refueling nearby at a convenience store. The SUV was spotted a short distance away by BCSO deputies and both suspects were taken into custody.
Leaving the scene of the accident, Pinson failed to ascertain Deputy Smith’s injuries and to provide aid until medical personnel arrived, it was stated.
Pinson, 32, is charged with driving left of center, failure to render aid after an accident with injuries, failure to report an accident, felony evading, resisting stop, arrest and halt, and escape.
Bond for these charges has been set at $20,000.
In addition, Pinson must post a cash bond of $886 for failure to appear in court on previous traffic charges.
Hagler, who is 18, has been charged with facilitating escape and facilitation of a felony. His bond is set at $10,000.
Deputy Smith was treated at SkyRidge Medical Center and was later released.
Investigation of the crash is continuing with the possibility additional charges may be filed.