FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. — Police Chief Benny Jennings told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Jan. 9 that a traffic stop that escalated into a crash resulted in one fatality and that the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s critical incident response team has taken over the investigation.

Chief Jennings said the crash occurred when a vehicle did not stop after officers attempted a traffic stop and subsequently crashed. “At this time, there is 1 fatality in that crash,” Jennings said. He added the investigation has been turned over because there is a possible vehicle‑homicide charge: “The investigation has been turned over to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's critical incident response team.”

Nut graf: The police chief provided preliminary details and made clear that the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will be the lead investigative agency; Jennings said all further questions and statements should be referred to THP while the specialist unit investigates.

Jennings said the department had to refer inquiries to the THP because of the seriousness of the incident and the potential charge. No additional details about the victim, the driver, or charges were released at the work session. The chief said he could offer no more information while THP leads the case.

Ending: The city referred media questions to the Tennessee Highway Patrol; police said they would not release more details while the specialized unit conducts its investigation.