Benton County Man Faces New Charges Here
Sheriff’s Detective Joseph Duncan charged Taylor with attempted car-jacking, felony theft, aggravated assault and felony escape.
Sheriff Michael Fitzhugh thanked deputies, Murfreesboro Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, K9s from the sheriff’s office, Murfreesboro and La Vergne Police, THP helicopter pilot Lt. Brad Lund, communications who kept officers informed of developments, Rutherford County Public Safety Director Chris Clark who provided support and Emergency Medical Services paramedics who checked Taylor.
Fitzhugh said, “Our concern is for people and ensuring they are safe and no harm comes to any of our citizens. That is why we commited so much manpower in taking Taylor into custody as soon as possible.”
During a news conference, Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher said Taylor faced drug charges in his county. A deputy was returning him to Bradley County Wednesday when the incident occured.
Benton County Sheriff Christopher noted, “He came through the screen in the back of the car where it was an open window area and attacked the corrections officer. That officer has been treated and released with minor injuries.”
The corrections officer fought with Taylor on the side of the road, the sheriff said. An unknown truck driver pulled them away from each other.
Moments after the news conference ended, deputies found Taylor.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Nick Coble and Sgt. James Holloway were searching behind Caliber Collision when Coble noticed fresh rust on a sewer cover and thought it was strange.
Sgt. Coble commented, “When I pulled it up, there he sat on a ledge. Sgt. Holloway helped pull him out of the hole.”
Holloway said they handcuffed Taylor and placed him on the ground.
“Fortunately, it was just storm water and not sewage,” Holloway said.
Christopher John Taylor is awaiting a General Sessions Court hearing in Rutherford County.
Description of what happened (earlier report)