JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Reports say a suspect driving at a high speed in a Walmart parking lot intentionally collided with the Jefferson City Police Department patrol unit, causing irreversible damage. He then allegedly left the scene in his Jeep, which was found abandoned by the White Pine Police.
JCPD received a theft report on February 17 at Walmart on E. Broadway Blvd a few minutes before 7 PM.
According to reports, an officer arrived at the scene and encountered James Lee Rucker . Rucker, a 53-year-old resident of Newport, was in the parking lot and drove away in a black Jeep as soon as he saw the officer.
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He allegedly returned to the Walmart parking lot quickly and intentionally collided with the JCPD patrol unit, causing irreversible damage. Rucker then left the scene in his Jeep, which was found abandoned by the White Pine Police at exit four on I-81.
The JCPD has issued an arrest warrant for Rucker on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, felony reckless endangerment, theft, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving on a revoked driving license, according to police reports.