William Thomas Burton, Jr.
A Rogersville man is facing multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed chase on 1-75.
Deputy Kenneth Henderson was traveling north bound on I-75 around the Rocky Face exit when he got behind a pick-up truck that he thought may have an impaired driver. He also observed the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Deputy Henderson was going to stop the vehicle and check the driver. Upon activating his blue lights the driver refused to stop and continued to travel north on I-75, first at a slow speed and then at excessive speeds. At one point the speed of the pursuit exceeded 90 mph. After the chase entered Catoosa County, a GSP Trooper joined the pursuit. The trooper performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle in Catoosa County and the driver of the truck lost control and crashed into a guardrail. The driver (and only occupant) of the vehicle was taken into custody.
The driver was found to be in possession of two handguns. Officers also discovered a large quantity (22 ounces) of ICE methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $50,000 in the truck.
The driver was identified as William Thomas Burton, Jr., 39, of Rogersville, Tn. Burton has been charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during the commission of a crime. He is also facing numerous traffic violations including a seat belt violation, driving on a suspended license, and fleeing to elude.
Burton is being held in the Whitfield County Jail without bond.