19-year-old driver cited in 130-mph police chase that ended in a crash

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A 19-year-old in Tennessee was cited after a police chase that reached speeds of 130 mph and ended in a crash that left three people injured.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office reported the chase began on Highway 321 when a deputy attempted to stop a Nissan Rogue. According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle matched the description of one reportedly involved in an earlier incident at an apartment complex, where an occupant allegedly threatened to shoot residents and was believed to be armed.

According to the sheriff’s office, the Nissan initially stopped at a boat ramp near Highway 444 before fleeing. Deputies said the vehicle traveled into oncoming traffic on Highway 321, narrowly missing another vehicle, and continued toward Blount County.

The sheriff’s office said the driver exceeded 130 mph at times and turned off the vehicle’s exterior lights. After about 15 miles, the Nissan ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle, according to deputies.

Deputies said the driver, identified as 19-year-old Michael Ghaster, was injured in the crash and taken to the hospital. Ghaster’s passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and also taken to the hospital. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash sustained minor injuries.

Investigators recovered suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the crash scene, the sheriff’s office said.

Ghaster faces charges including evading arrest, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, driving under the influence, simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with several traffic-related offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.