On February 22, 2025 Deputy Hannah Bredwell was conducting routine traffic patrol in the North Dayton area when she observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Radar confirmed it was traveling at almost 40mph over the posted speed limit. Deputy Bredwell attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, which took off at a higher rate of speed in an attempt to flee North bound on Rhea County Highway. Due to the fleeing vehicle’s high rate of speed and reckless nature, Deputy Bredwell lost visual on the vehicle. After traveling further in the same direction, Deputy Bredwell located the vehicle wrecked into a tree. The driver fled on foot from the scene of the accident. One passenger was located in the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital via Rhea EMS for non life-threatening injuries sustained in the accident.
While searching for the driver, Rhea County Emergency Management Operations Chief, Kyle Argo, located a possible heat signature in a field via drone. He was directing units towards the heat signature when responding units saw the suspect running on the edge of the field along the creek bank. The suspect attempted to hide in the edge of the creek, but Deputies were led in to his exact location via drone and he was taken into custody.
The suspect was identified as Dakota Leffew, and he was charged by Deputy Bredwell for Felony Evading, Resisting Arrest, Failure to Exercise Due Care, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Speeding. Tennessee Highway Patrol worked the accident and more charges are possible following the outcome of their investigation.
