A tragic crash in Sharps Chapel on Saturday evening claimed the lives of three individuals and was initiated by contact with a Union County Constable, according to the Tennessee Constable’s Association’s statement to 10News.
Among the deceased, investigators have identified Joshua Scott. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, on Thursday, confirmed the other two victims as Caleb Bales, 29, and Kevin Smith, 50.
According to the preliminary crash report from THP, Smith was driving a pickup truck south on Maynardville Highway with Bales as a passenger, while Scott was traveling north in a minivan. Smith’s truck veered across the center line, colliding head-on with Scott’s van, THP reported. Subsequently, the truck careened off the road, struck a guardrail, and caught fire.
The Tennessee Constable’s Association stated that Constable John Dennis responded to reports of a truck driving recklessly in Sharp’s Chapel. Upon arrival, Dennis encountered the white truck parked in a lot and attempted to engage with the driver.
Constables, being elected law enforcement officials in Tennessee, possess similar enforcement powers as police and sheriff’s deputies but operate with minimal oversight.
According to the association’s statement, “The vehicle sped off towards Highway 33 at a high speed. Constable Dennis caught sight of the vehicle as it ran a stop sign on Sharps Chapel Rd at Highway 33.” Subsequently, Dennis witnessed the truck collide head-on with a van on the opposite side of the road.
Tragically, all occupants of the truck and one individual in the van perished at the scene, as confirmed by the constable’s association. Further details revealed that the individual in the van was Scott.
Scott was employed as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer at Green Hills Funeral Home in Middlesboro, Kentucky. His biography on the home’s website indicated that he graduated from Hancock County High School in 2019 and was pursuing a degree in Mortuary Science. Additionally, Scott resided in Tazewell, as stated on the website.
Union County District Attorney General Jared Effler stated in a message to 10News that his office is collaborating with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol. “THP’s Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the crash,” Effler remarked, “Once their investigation concludes, the findings will be shared with our office for review.”
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