200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

As previously released:

On January 26, 2017 at approximately 11:30 PM, a Kingsport Police Patrol Sergeant was eastbound on East Stone Drive near Arbutus Avenue, when he observed a vehicle, with headlights on high beam, approaching from the opposite direction, effectively blinding the officer as well as other motorists in the vicinity. The driver never dimmed the headlights and eventually passed the officer.

The officer turned his cruiser around and initiated a traffic stop so that he could address this safety infraction with the driver. Despite a clear display of emergency signal devices including flashing blue lights and audible siren, the driver failed to stop. The vehicle continued a significant distance along East Stone Drive, turned right on Gibson Mill Road, and eventually pulled over near the intersection of Bloomingdale Pike.

As the officer approached the driver’s side of the vehicle on foot, a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper arrived on scene as backup and approached the passenger’s side. When asked why he failed to stop, the driver replied that he was looking for a safe place to stop. When asked for his driver license, the driver stated that it was revoked. He was, however, kind enough to hand over his Tennessee ID Card, positively identifying himself as Donald Wayne Pickle, III.

The ID Card was clearly emblazoned with the text in bright red bold print: “IDENTIFICATION ONLY” and “NOT VALID FOR OPERATION OF ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE.” A check of his driving history revealed that he had three prior arrests for Driving on a Revoked License. The officer asked Mr. Pickle to step out of the vehicle; however, Mr. Pickle chose instead to throw the car in gear and speed away, nearly striking the THP Trooper in the process.

Mr. Pickle turned right on Bloomingdale Pike and drove about a quarter of a mile before pulling over again and fleeing on foot. The officers searched the immediate area; however, Mr. Pickle was able to at least temporarily evade capture. Upon searching his vehicle prior to towing it, the officer located two open, but still ice cold, Busch beers between the two front seats. One was nearly empty, while the other was still mostly full.

A warrant has been obtained charging Mr. Pickle with 1) Aggravated Assault, 2) Felony Reckless Endangerment, 3) Felony Evading Arrest, 4) Driving on a Revoked License (4th Offense), 5) Driver in Possession of Open Alcohol, and 6) Violation of Light Law. Mr. Pickle is described as a 36 year old white male adult. He is mostly bald with hazel eyes and a stubbly mustache and beard. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height, weighs roughly 200 pounds, and is of average build.

A snapshot of his ID Card, complete with a recent photograph, is included in this release. He is currently wanted and still at large. Anyone who can provide any information regarding his present whereabouts is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

36 Years of Age

Blountville, TN

2) Felony Reckless Endangerment

3) Felony Evading Arrest

4) Driving on Revoked License (4th Offense)

5) Driver in Possession of Open Alcohol

6) Violation of Light Law

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit