Two separate pursuits across multiple counties lead to felony arrests

SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two separate pursuits across multiple counties in East Tennessee ended in the arrests of two wanted felons on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

The first pursuit began when officers attempted a traffic stop on a burglary suspect.

The suspect, identified as Arthur Wright, sped away, leading authorities through Loudon County and into the City of Loudon.

Due to Wright’s reckless driving, Loudon County deputies and Loudon City officers deployed spike strips, successfully disabling the vehicle and allowing officers to take the suspect into custody.

According to the Sweetwater Police Department (SPD), Wright had been driving a stolen gray short bus taken earlier that morning in Hamblen County.

Additionally, law enforcement discovered Wright had felony warrants in Hamilton County.

Shortly after the first arrest, detectives identified another wanted felon in a separate vehicle.

When officers attempted to stop the second suspect, he fled south on I-75, prompting another pursuit.

The pursuit ended in Meigs County after law enforcement disabled his vehicle.

The suspect, Elijah Ferguson, was a convicted felon on active felony probation, and was wanted for multiple felony warrants out of Knox and McMinn counties.

Both individuals are now in custody.