KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A man from Knoxville is facing multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, after a tragic incident on Maynardville Highway late Thursday night that resulted in two fatalities.
Witnesses reported seeing 39-year-old Jose Roberto Rivera Recarte leave a local bar in Union County, where they noted that he seemed too intoxicated to drive. One witness even offered him a ride, but Rivera Recarte declined and instead drove south on Maynardville Highway. The witness alerted authorities, leading to a response from the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities quickly located Rivera Recarte’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The chase briefly ended when he stopped on Maynardville Pike, but he fled on foot. The pursuit continued until Rivera Recarte crashed his car, crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding with two other vehicles in the turn lane. The tragic crash claimed the lives of two individuals, whose identities have not yet been disclosed.
Emergency response teams were deployed, and the crash scene led to extensive road closures that persisted into Friday morning. Rivera Recarte was found outside his vehicle and had to be extricated by law enforcement. Observations included bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the distinct smell of alcohol.
Upon questioning, Rivera Recarte first claimed to have consumed only one drink before denying any alcohol intake altogether. He failed several field sobriety assessments, resulting in his arrest for driving under the influence. After being transported to UT Medical Center, he reportedly became agitated and resisted authorities.
Rivera Recarte faces a total of nine charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide and aggravated assault. The other charges involve evading arrest and reckless endangerment, among others, highlighting the severe implications of his actions leading up to the crash.
He is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on Wednesday morning. Investigators from the Tennessee Highway Patrol are actively working to complete their investigation into the incident. A preliminary report from the agency has been requested to provide additional insights into the events surrounding this tragic crash.