Sevierville Hit and Run Driver Captured after Foot Chase

The driver and passenger of a vehicle allegedly involved in a hit and run accident on Newport Highway were both located and arrested Thursday.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to investigate a hit and run accident on Newport Highway near the intersection of Walnut Grove Road at about 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2017 and were given a description of the suspect vehicle, a black ford pickup truck that had fled the scene.

Sheriff Ron Seals was traveling on Old Newport Highway when he spotted a pickup truck matching the description and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the pickup truck, later identified as 37-year-old Brendt Ziemba, of Cosby, Tenn., then fled on foot into the woods.

Sheriff Seals detained the passenger, 45-year-old Kerry James Strickland, of Sevierville. Strickland was wanted on two arrest warrants for violation of parole and failure to appear. Deputy Justin Johnson arrived on scene and placed him under arrest.

Sgt. Levi Morton located Ziemba nearby and he again attempted to flee, but was apprehended by Sgt. Morton after a brief foot chase. Ziemba was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a license, and failing to show proof of insurance.

37-year-old Brendt Ziemba, of Cosby, Tenn.

45-year-old Kerry James Strickland, of Sevierville

Both suspects were transported to Sevier County Jail. Ziemba was released on bond. Strickland remains in custody.