LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) — The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with multiple law enforcement agencies to locate two missing teens who disappeared following a police pursuit on I-75 early Wednesday morning.
Cpl. Cody Bengel stated that the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Sweetwater Police Department took part in a pursuit early Wednesday morning, around 4 a.m., concerning a vehicle reported as stolen.
Bengel mentioned that the chase was eventually terminated, with the vehicle discovered deserted close to the Tennessee River Bridge on I-75 North. Additionally, he pointed out that the alleged perpetrators fled before law enforcement reached the location.
Bengel stated that a comprehensive search was conducted by multiple agencies, including K-9 teams and drone operations, to thoroughly examine the region around the bridge as well as the adjacent forests. Following this thorough investigation, law enforcement officials declared the zone clear.
Around 7:30 a.m., Bengel stated that the Loudoun County E-911 center received multiple calls from residents in the Lake Drive area about car break-ins.
While heading towards the location of the incident, the officers were stopped by locals who informed them about spotting an adolescent male on a nearby veranda. The law enforcement agents promptly proceeded to the house and apprehended him.
As the teenager was being interrogated, he mentioned that he dove into the water alongside two other adolescent boys from the Tennessee River Bridge.
By Wednesday evening, Bengel had not provided any new information concerning the ongoing search for the two missing teenagers.
If you observe any unusual behavior or have any details about their location, please contact the Loudon County Communication Center at 865-458-9081.
The search efforts are also being supported by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Loudon Fire Department, Tellico Village Fire Department, Priority Ambulance Service, and Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
