Earlier Friday morning, two inmate transports took place in order to deliver 74 Tennessee Department of Correction’s inmates into their custody at two of the state’s prisons. The first transport incorporated 60 male inmates, while the second transport incorporated 14 female inmates.
At approximately 6:03 a.m., the bus that was being utilized to transport the male inmates experienced a tire that completely blew out at the 12 mile-marker of I-75 Southbound.
The Bradley County 911 Communications Center was immediately notified, which resulted in the response of several Bradley County Sheriff Office’s and Hamilton County Sheriff Office’s personnel.
Upon another bus arriving to the scene, law-enforcement personnel from both agencies safely transferred the inmates and re-continued the commute to the state prison at approximately 7:22
a.m.
There were no injuries to inmates or law-enforcement personnel during the bus incident. Both transports have safely arrived to their destinations and will start the transfer of inmates into the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
Sheriff Eric Watson said, “Sheriff Jim Hammond and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office should be commended for their quick response to assist our agency during the bus incident. H.C.S.O.’s presence was an additional layer of security to ensure the safety of the public and the male inmates.
I also want to praise the Tennessee Department of Corrections for allowing our agency to transfer 74 inmates into their custody. This is a progressive step to address the overcrowding issue stated in last week’s jail inspection by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. In the next few weeks, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office will host our annual Open House for the fourth consecutive year that will include a detailed tour of the Correctional Facility.”