Man Wanted By U.S. Marshals Apprehended By Crossville PD After Stealing Flatbed Truck From Local Business, Crashing Into Multiple Vehicles

A man wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service after allegedly absconding from a rehab facility has been captured in Crossville. But not before he left a path of destruction in his wake. Police say on Thursday morning (7/21/2022), 41-year-old Walter Steven Lawson, of Rockford, Tennessee was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Genesis Road. Lawson abandoned his 2007 Dodge Caliber at Wilson’s Paint and Best One Tire on Neecham Street. A short while later, Lawson stole a flatbed truck  from Cumberland Components and crashed into a 2017 Buick Encore near Dairy Queen, injuring the driver.  The flatbed fled the scene and was involved in two other hit-and-run crashes on East First Street. Lawson continued to drive recklessly leading police on a lengthy chase on numerous City roads, striking bushes, trees, vegetation and mailboxes along the way. Police deployed spike strips near the entrance to Laurelwood subdivision and made contact with the suspect’s stolen truck.  With smoke coming from the tires and as police closed in, Lawson finally stopped the truck at the intersection of Prentice Street and Stanley Street.  Lawson threw his hands out the vehicle window and was taken into custody around 10:30am.  Lawson was booked for Theft Of Property Over $60,000 and at least19 other charges.