Authorities said the passenger, Ortega, was attempting to hide from view of the deputy before the two suspects fled in the vehicle.
During the pursuit, the suspects’ vehicle, driven by Hickey, attempted to hit a deputy head-on at the Highway 41-55 intersection in Manchester.
Hickey's vehicle then struck a truck being driven by Joe Moon. The impact of the crash caused the truck to roll over and burst into flames.
He was 40-year employee of Tullahoma Parks and Recreation and had just retired.
"It was an absolute shock. I learned bout it early in the morning when I was going to work. It just destroys your gut," said Republican House Representative Judd Metheny.
As a result of the crash Matheny has proposed the "Joe Moon Act," the bill looks to impose stricter penalties on drivers who run from police and either injure or kill someone as a result.
"I hope this bill ends up being a deterrent to this ever happening again. Even if it saves one life," he added.
The bill got approval in a house subcommittee on Tuesday and will move forward to a full committee for discussion.
