May 21, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A burglary suspect rammed a patrol car and tried running over another officer while trying to escape from authorities in a stolen pickup early Tuesday afternoon, according to the Knox Co. Sheriff's Office.
Christopher O'Neill, 26, will face charges of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Theft, Burglary, Aggravated Assault, and Driving on a Revoked License. Plus, the Knoxville Police Department expects to charge him with numerous car burglaries.
The chase started shortly before 2:00 p.m. at the Weigel's on Central Avenue Pike when an officer reportedly saw a stolen Ford F-150. After two passengers got out of the truck and went inside the store, O'Neill allegedly took off.
He slipped police momentarily along Rifle Range Rd. before authorities found him again at the same Weigel's. Officers tried boxing him in and that's when O'Neill allegedly backed into a patrol car, causing it minor damage, and tried to run over the other officer.
He then ditched the truck at an apartment complex on Bruhin Road and was eventually spotted by Airwatch.
O'Neill was also wanted in Roane Co. for Failure to Appear on a Drug Charge.
