MAN LEADS CUMBERLAND, ROANE CO, THP ON HIGH SPEED CHASE, LEAVES CHILDREN BEHIND

Local law had their hands full this afternoon.  23-year-old Christian A. Stephens of East Adams Street led authorities on a high-speed chase down I-40 into Roane County.  Crossville Police were assisting a bondsman serving a warrant on Stephens for missing a court date when Stephens jumped out of two story window, hopped into his Green Ford van and took off leaving his two small children unattended in the home.  Stephens led Sheriff’s deputies and Tennessee Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase into Roane County where he was finally stopped, apprehended and returned to Cumberland county for booking.  Crossville Police, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Roane County Sheriff’s department were all involved in capturing the suspect. The children were placed in custody of Stephens grandmother.