Hamilton County, TN – Earlier tonight at approximately 5:20 pm, a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper was manning a checkpoint where he was checking licenses at the intersection of Wessex Lane and Villa Rica Circle when he attempted to validate the residency of a driver attempting to gain entry into Holly Hills Subdivision. Holly Hills Subdivision was one of the hardest hit areas by Sunday night’s EF3 tornado and check points have been set up to ensure only citizens and essential personnel enter the affected areas.

When questioned about his residency, the driver became irate and verbally assaulted the trooper. As the trooper was speaking to the individual at the driver’s side window, the suspect vehicle took off striking the trooper.

As the suspect sped away, the trooper managed to get the vehicle’s tag number for identification. Just moments later, HCSO deputies arrived at the intersection and assisted the trooper.

According to the tag, the vehicle was registered to an address on Bayberry Drive and belonged to William Raymond Reed.

Deputies immediately responded to Reed’s residence where they located the suspect vehicle and Reed was taken into custody.

Reed will be charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle and Resisting Arrest. Additional charges are pending.

Thankfully, the Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper involved in the altercation only sustained minor injuries.

During this difficult time, the HCSO would like to remind people to please stay clear of the tornado affected areas unless you are a resident or considered essential personnel such as law enforcement, utility crews, insurance adjusters, contractors, extent.

Please respect the privacy of those who have sustained tremendous damage to their homes and property.

No further details are available at this time.