Knoxville News-Sentinel
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A Blount County fugitive car thief wanted in connection with three separate police pursuits within the past week was captured Sunday afternoon.
Steve Brian Bright of Maryville was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 near the Lenoir City exit in Loudon County about 2:30 p.m. Sunday, said Blount County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Marian O’Briant. The 42-year-old Bright led Blount County deputies on two chases Wednesday night, including one in which he crashed a stolen pickup truck and fled on foot.
The suspect escaped capture during yet another police chase Friday night in Monroe County, O’Briant said.Bright, driving another stolen vehicle, crashed south of Madisonville on U.S. Highway 411 and again fled on foot, the spokeswoman said.
A female passenger in the stolen vehicle was injured, although O’Briant did not have further details on her condition.
Officials with the Madisonville Police Department could not be reached for comment Sunday afternoon. Bright faces warrants in Blount County for aggravated assault, felony evading arrest, reckless endangerment, possession of stolen property and motor vehicle theft. Additional charges stemming from the Monroe County chase also are expected, according to authorities.
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