Deputy rear-ended while providing safety to roadwork crews on I-24

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — One man has been arrested for crashing into a Hamilton County deputy overnight on I-24, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said the deputy was providing scene safety for road construction crews at Exit 184 Thursday night.

Benjamin Cooksey. HCSO

At around 11:40 p.m., Deputy Chad Meyners’ patrol car was rear-ended by a Ford F-250 pickup truck.

The sheriff’s office identified the driver of the Ford as 42-year-old Benjamin Cooksey.

HCSO arrested Cooksey and charged him with driving under the influence, failure to exercise due care and possession of a firearm while under the influence.

Authorities said after the crash, the deputy got out of his damaged patrol unit to check on Cooksey, who said he was not injured.

HCSO said Deputy Meyners only received minor injuries.

“As I left the hospital last night checking on Deputy Meyners and after seeing the catastrophic damage to his patrol unit at the scene, I am extremely grateful he was not more seriously injured or killed. This incident highlights the incredible dangers our personnel face on a daily basis while performing their duties and emphasizes the importance of Tennessee’s Move Over Law. Drivers should always move over for vehicles who are parked on the sides of the roadway whether public safety or civilian, when their flashers or emergency lights are activated,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “As we begin the Memorial Day Weekend, please remember to slow down, drive responsibly and never get behind the wheel of any motor vehicle while under the influence. If you do, my deputies stand ready to remove you from our roadways.”