Tansi Man Faces Host of Charges After Ramming Two Patrol Vehicles, Knocking Officer Backwards

A Tansi man faces a host of charges after he reportedly led a Cumberland County Deputy on a high speed chase and rammed two patrol vehicles.  It started around 8pm Sunday (January 26, 2025) when the Deputy observed a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Joel Gregory Rice traveling at a high rate of speed on New Lantana Road and weaving in and out of traffic.  The pursuit ended up at an address on Coyote Court in Tansi where Rice allegedly rammed two patrol vehicles and knocked one Deputy backwards.  Rice then fled into a residence and attempted to hide in a bathroom.  Police gained entry and took Rice into custody.  Two jars containing a green, leafy like substance believed to be marijuana were found in the suspect’s vehicle. Rice was charged with  2 counts Evading Arrest; 2 counts Felony Reckless Endangerment – Vehicle, 1 count Resisting Arrest, 1 count Evading Arrest, 1 count Reckless Driving and 1 count Simple Possession.  Bond was set at $100,000.  Rice has a General Sessions court date of March 3, 2025 at 8:30am.