A motorcyclist accused of evading arrest during an extended chase reportedly attempted a unique tactic to throw law enforcement off his trail. However, authorities were able to piece it all together.
According to a July 1 incident report filed by Cocke County Sheriff Lt. Miranda Williams, she spotted a red and black sports motorcycle traveling southbound, clocked on radar going 91 mph in a 40 mph zone. She initiated lights and sirens in an attempt to initiate a stop. The motorcycle, which did not have a display tag, was observed passing a vehicle on a marked double yellow with oncoming traffic.
The officer’s speed reached 82 mph as the pursuit continued with the driver making another pass on a marked double yellow line approaching Jones Cove Road. The pursuit continued up Foothills Parkway as the motorcycle continued to accelerate. Williams reports she terminated the pursuit at that point after reaching 91 mph to avoid the risk of injury or death to the rider or others.
She lost sight of the motorcycle but she continued in the same direction to make sure the rider did not wreck further up on the mountain. He was not spotted. She provided a description of his attire: black leather jacket, helmet, dark shoes. The motorcycle was black base with red panels.
The report indicates that Cocke County Sheriff Deputy Gavin Colley had seen the same motorcycle parked at Janice’s Diner prior to the pursuit. Employees at Janice’s Diner identified the driver as Scott Baxter and provided video footage of Baxter wearing a red T-shirt, blue jeans, dark tennis shoes and carrying a black motorcycle helmet and black leather jacket.
Deputies then proceeded to 255 Wilton Springs Road and made contact with Cecil Scott Baxter, 48, who was wearing a matching red T-shirt, blue jeans and dark tennis shoes. Baxter reportedly told deputies his motorcycle was “in the shop” and “not here.” The report notes Baxter was sweaty and very nervous in speaking with law enforcement.
Baxter said he was at Janice’s Diner earlier but did not have a motorcycle helmet or anything with him and repeatedly said he was not involved in the pursuit. He allowed deputies to search his property and showed deputies red body pieces he reportedly said he’d recently taken off of his motorcycle. The pieces matched the same bright red that was seen from the pursuit.
The report stated evidence pointed toward Baxter as the rider from the pursuit and that he gave deputies a false report and attempted to dismantle his motorcycle to hide evidence. He refused to answer further questions and was placed under arrest and transported to jail.
Baxter was charged with speeding, driving while license revoked, improper display of registration/tags, false reports, tampering with or fabricating evidence, failure to maintain lane and driving unlicensed.
The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office advised Baxter’s bond was set at $20,000.
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