James T. Akagi
A police pursuit of a speeding SUV through Scarboro on Monday ended when Oak Ridge Police Chief James T. Akagi tackled one of two men who ran from the vehicle, and backup officers apprehended the second, court records said.
In affidavits filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court, Akagi said he was in an unmarked police car turning left onto Tulsa Road from Tusculum Drive at about 5:10 p.m. Monday when he heard screeching tires and saw a Ford Explorer approaching him from behind at high speed.
The chief said he quickly turned left onto Tulsa Road and pulled to the right to avoid being struck. The Explorer did not stop and swerved right onto Tulsa Road, Akagi said in the affidavits.
He said he followed the vehicle down Tuskegee Drive, and Wilberforce, South Dillard, South Benedict, and Spelman avenues. It allegedly ran a stop sign on Tuskegee Drive, ignored other traffic control devices, and drove left of the center line and at speeds up to 25 mph over the speed limit.
“The vehicle drove on streets where pedestrians were present walking near the sidewalk or street,” Akagi said. “I observed some of these subjects flee the traffic lane near the intersection of South Dillard and South Benedict avenues, seemingly in fear, when the suspects’ vehicle approached.”
After the Explorer stopped on Spelman Avenue, the driver—later identified as Landon Duvall Thomas—and Justin M. Harris, the passenger, ran from the vehicle, the affidavits said. Akagi said he ran after them on foot, yelling, “Police! Stop!”
The two men ran about 50 yards across a grassy field toward a shed behind a home on South Benedict Avenue, Akagi said. By now, backup police officers had arrived, and Thomas and Harris were caught, the police chief said.
He said he tackled Harris, who is described in warrants as being 6’4″ and 240 pounds, but Harris refused to follow commands to stop resisting. Harris also allegedly resisted the chief’s efforts to handcuff him, “struggling violently to free his left hand from my grasp,” Akagi said.
He also “refused to place his right hand behind his back and tried to rise off his stomach from the ground,” the chief said.
“Officer (Roy) Heinz helped me in securing Mr. Harris, while Mr. Thomas was tackled and secured by Officer (Chris) Bayless and other officers,” Akagi said.
Harris, 22, has been released from the Anderson County Detention Facility, and he has a court hearing scheduled for Feb. 12. He has been charged with evading arrest, and resisting stop, halt, frisk, arrest, or search, county records said.
Thomas, 26, has also been released, and he has a court hearing scheduled for Feb. 25. He has been charged with reckless driving, evading arrest, and resisting stop, halt, frisk, arrest, or search, records said.
KAY WILLIAMSON says
WTG CHIEF:::: Can you come tackle some of the ‘THUGS’ IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD OVER BY JEFFERSON AVE
GregBrown says
Does this guy not have enough “Chief” business to do ? I mean really, he was hired to be an administrator, so be an administrator. There’s a reason that this is a headlines story…because this isn’t what department heads are supposed to be doing. Do you see KPD Chief’s or Knox County’s Sheriff doing high speed chases and foot pursuits ? NO, and there’s very good reason for this. Let the men and women that have been hired and trained for this handle the grunt work.
Peggy Tiner says
I see no point at all in your criticism. I admire a supervisor who actually knows how to perform the work as well as supervise the workers.
John Huotari says
Many of us have probably seen the police chief out on traffic stops. I think one of his philosophies is to not ask employees to do things he hasn’t done himself.
Sam Hopwood says
City Manager Watson hit a home run when he brought Chief Akagi on board…… Hit ’em high, hit ’em low, nail those drug thugs, GO GO GO!!!
Kay Williamson says
I am glad that he is not just a pencil pusher, He was hired to protect the citizens of this community and oversee all of the duties of a police chief, CRIME ENFORCEMENT IS WHAT HE DOES, maybe when someone goes above the call of duty they should be appreciate!!! Too many people turn a blind eye. You should be proud INSTEAD OF COMPARING APPLE TO ORANGES,,,,
David A. Vudragovich says
I see Chief Akagi generally twice a year speaking at events within the business community. He does administrative stuff. But he is also humble enough to see how those administrative changes affect our officers on the street. Also, was he just driving an unmarked car or was he on patrol? (the article does not say) If he was just driving from point A to point B and he sees something happen, I am glad he is willing to step up and not just pass the buck!
John Huotari says
David, if I recall correctly, he was in an unmarked vehicle in the area and headed back to the office.
David A. Vudragovich says
John, Thank you for the clarity.