A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”
In Tennessee, the act of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer is a criminal offense. This occurs when an individual intentionally runs away from or tries to escape someone they are aware, or should be aware, is a peace officer or federal special investigator who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. The offense is enhanced if the individual uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to evade arrest, which can lead to more severe penalties. Additionally, if the act of fleeing and eluding results in injury to another person, the consequences are further increased. The specific statutes and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the evasion, the presence of aggravating factors, and the degree of harm caused.