Williamsburg, Kentucky Man Richard E. Cantrell Arrested in Anderson County for High-Speed Motorcycle Chase and Crash

Williamsburg, Kentucky Man Richard E. Cantrell Arrested in Anderson County for High-Speed Motorcycle Chase and Crash

ANDERSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE — Richard E. Cantrell, a motorcyclist from Williamsburg, Kentucky, was arrested in Anderson County on Sunday following a high-speed police chase that began in Kentucky and ended with a crash and officer-involved shooting investigation in Tennessee.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cantrell was fleeing law enforcement on a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle when he abruptly stopped in a lane on I-75 South near Exit 122. A 2023 Ford Explorer driven by an Anderson County deputy collided with the motorcycle, sending both vehicles to the shoulder of the interstate.

Cantrell is facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, evading arrest, reckless driving, failure to exercise due care, driving without a license, and driving without insurance. Authorities said Cantrell reached speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 65 mph zone during the pursuit.

The chase reportedly began in Kentucky, where a Williamsburg police officer attempted a traffic stop and later fired shots after the motorcyclist allegedly reversed into the officer’s vehicle before fleeing into Tennessee. Cantrell was transported to UT Medical Center for evaluation following the crash.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently reviewing the officer-involved shooting as part of the ongoing investigation.