Trooper clocked speeding car just before double-fatal Maryville crash
A speeding vehicle caught the attention of a state trooper on U.S. Highway 411 on Tuesday just seconds before the driver slammed into an oncoming car, killing two people.
The 3:44 p.m. crash on U.S. Highway 411 near the intersection with Binfield Road killed Amelia D. Keown Garton, 16, of Maryville according to a report filed by Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper John Pedigo.
Also killed in the impact was John C. Perkins, 44, also of Maryville.
Perkins was driving a 1999 Chrysler Sebring northbound on U.S. Highway 411 when he passed Pedigo, who was operating radar on the highway. The Sebring was traveling in the fast lane of U.S. Highway 411.
"He had just clocked the vehicle speeding and was attempting to turn around," said Capt. Cheryl Sanders, who commands the Knoxville District of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Pedigo had to turn his cruiser around to go after the Sebring and had not yet started to chase the vehicle, Sanders said. The captain was unsure if Pedigo had activated his blue lights or siren to facilitate turning around on the busy roadway.
"He had not initiated a pursuit," Sanders said. "When he (Pedigo) crested the hill, the wreck had already occurred."
Keown Garton was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 411 in a 1999 Ford Taurus in the fast lane when the Sebring came into her lane, Pedigo noted in his report. Keown Garton was using a seat belt.
The Sebring "crossed the center turn lane and traveled into the fast lane of southbound traffic, striking (the Taurus) head on," Pedigo wrote.
Perkins, who also was using a seat belt, died after being admitted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said this morning.
Pedigo ordered tests on Perkins to determine if alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash. There was no indication of alcohol or drug use by Keown Garton, the trooper stated on the report.
Before Perkins died, Pedigo's initial report stated charges were pending against him.
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