Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:
Crossville, Tennessee – On Sunday, February 25, 2024, at approximately 6:08 PM, a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Cobalt on Westel Road near the forestry facility due to the erratic driving of the vehicle with suspicion of driving under the influence. The vehicle failed to yield and began to throw items out of the window as it proceeded onto I-40, accelerating to speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit continued as the vehicle exited at Airport Road driving outbound to Morgan County, where it crashed near Blake Road, traveling over 150 ft. upon failing to navigate a sharp curve.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Additionally, Morgan County EMS and the Morgan County Rescue Squad also responded to assist at the scene. The driver of the fleeing vehicle was identified as Charles Hughett, 74 years old. Charles Hughett was airlifted to a local trauma hospital for treatment. Brandon Hughett 47, the son of Charles Hughett, was the passenger in the vehicle and was ejected after the vehicle crashed and he died at the scene. Both individuals have multiple warrants outstanding in Cumberland and Morgan counties and a lengthy criminal history involving multiple felony convictions. There is no information on the medical condition of Charles Hughett at this time. Charges are pending at this time.
The Deputy that initiated the pursuit was working overtime sponsored by a grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office which is awarded to support enforcement agencies statewide. Sheriff Casey Cox said, “The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and support of all involved agencies and individuals during this ongoing investigation.”