Rhea County suspect arrested after high-speed chase, foot pursuit
Dakota Leffew / Rhea County Sheriff’s Office
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Rhea County man has been arrested after leading deputies on a high-speed chase and foot pursuit Friday.
On February 22, 2025, a Rhea County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputy was monitoring traffic when she spotted a vehicle traveling nearly 40 mph over the posted speed limit.
When she attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver sped off, heading north on Rhea County Highway at an even higher speed.
Due to the reckless nature of the driver’s actions, the deputy lost sight of the fleeing vehicle.
After traveling up the road, the deputy discovered the vehicle had crashed into a tree.
The driver fled on foot, leaving behind a passenger who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The passenger was later transported to a local hospital by Rhea EMS.
Rhea County Emergency Management Operations Chief Kyle Argo utilized a drone to detect a heat signature in a nearby field.
As officers moved toward the area, they spotted the suspect running along a creek bank.
Despite an attempt to hide at the water’s edge, deputies apprehended the suspect.
The suspect was later identified as Dakota Leffew.
Leffew faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony Evading
- Resisting Arrest
- Failure to Exercise Due Care
- Failure to Maintain Lane
- Speeding
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation, and additional charges may follow.
