Motorcyclist arrested following pursuit, Taser deployment

A vehicle failing to stop for a stop sign led to a pursuit, Taser deployment, a few broken bones and an arrest on multiple charges Wednesday in Newport.

According to a report filed by Newport Police Department Officer Eli Suggs, he was patrolling the area of Food City West in Newport on July 10 when he observed a motorcycle, driven by Luke Gibson, 31, fail to stop at the stop sign at Kirk Street. Suggs had previously ID’d Gibson while Gibson was parked at Food City West.

Suggs reports he activated his patrol vehicle’s blue lights and attempted to pull Gibson over, however, Gibson continued to travel and went through two gravel parking lots and eventually continued to flee on West Broadway at speeds of up to 50 mph in a posted 40 mph zone, passing cars on the shoulder of the road. The pursuit continued onto Highway 25E where speeds reached 65 mph in a posted construction zone.

While on Highway 25E Suggs reports Gibson passed cars on the double yellow line before attempting to turn right onto Industrial Road, where Gibson struck a vehicle that was stopped at the intersection. Gibson then lost control of his motorcycle, crashed on Industrial Road, stood up and began to run on foot.

Suggs states he then deployed his Taser, which incapacitated Gibson and Gibson was placed under arrest.

Gibson declined to answer questions after being read his Miranda rights.

During a search of Gibson a blue plastic baggie was reportedly found containing one gram of suspected methamphetamine in his pocket. He also had syringes in his pocket. His backpack, which he dropped when he crashed, was found to contain a glass pipe, a rubber tourniquet and a syringe.

He was transported to Cocke County Jail and evaluated by Priority EMS and then transported by Suggs to Newport Medical Center. He received medical attention for cuts, abrasions, a broken ankle and a broken elbow, which the report states were all sustained as a result of the crash and subsequent arrest. NPD is seeking restitution of $60 for the deployed Taser prong.

Gibson was charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, reckless driving, driving while license suspended/revoked, failure to provide proof of insurance, failure to exercise due care and failure to stop at stop signals.

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office advised bond was set at $10,000 own recognizance for Gibson.