A traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Williamson County led to an officer being dragged by a vehicle, and a suspect has been taken into custody.
The incident began just after 4 a.m. Saturday when Officer Terry Ammonette began to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near mile marker 182 for Highway 96.
Reports stated the driver, later identified as Andrew Kerznar, took off as Officer Ammonette was approaching the vehicle. Police said the officer was dragged slightly, and Kerznar ran over his leg.
Officer Ammonette was checked at the scene, and authorities said he was expected to be okay.
During the incident, the officer said he heard gunshots, but it wasn’t clear where they were fired from; however, authorities confirmed they found shell casings at the scene. Officer Ammonette did not fire his weapon, according to officials.
Authorities said Officer Ammonette has been with the department for more than three years.
Police said Kerznar initially got away. He allegedly returned to steal a license plate.
A clerk at a gas station near Highway 100 spotted him just after 6 a.m.
Reports stated the clerk had been listening to the scanners and heard the description of the suspect, leading the clerk to call police.
A chase then began, and Kerznar crashed his vehicle on Horn Tavern Road.
Police said they searched for him along with the help of air support from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.
Before noon Saturday, authorities confirmed Kerznar had been located and arrested on Horn Tavern Road.
Officials said Kerznar was charged with two counts of felony evading, two counts of driving on a suspended license, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault.
The investigation remained ongoing.
Neighbors showed me where the suspect crashed his SUV on Horn Tavern Road before running away. Still waiting to find out name, charges. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/sb8A56Xn8Z
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) February 25, 2017
