TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WTVF) — A state trooper was attacked over the weekend in Grundy County, the sheriff's office said Monday.
Officials say Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Sam Johnson was conducting a traffic stop on a yellow ATV at the intersection of Flat Branch Road and Hobbs Hill Road in Tracy City.
The driver of the ATV, identified as 24-year-old Austin McHone, fled before losing control in a ditch.
As Johnson approached McHone, THP said he was violently attacked. McHone is accused of also attempting to take Johnson's weapon, but THP said he was unsuccessful.
After nearly five minutes, McHone left the scene and Johnson was taken to the hospital where he was treated for minor injuries before being released.
"On Sunday, one of our troopers was the victim of a senseless act of violence," said THP Colonel Matt Perry. "He was attacked while conducting what he thought was a routine stop. We know this can happen, but it is never truly expected. I want to give a sincere thank you to the staff at Emerald Hodgson Hospital for taking great care of Trooper Johnson, to the Grundy and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices for their swift response and aid, and to the local citizens who provided information resulting in the identification of the suspect."
THP said McHone later turned himself in to the Grundy County Sheriff's Office.
