On Monday, September 2, 2024, around 8:15 AM, Whitwell Police were dispatched to the 14000 block of Hwy 28 for a reckless driving complaint. Dispatch advised that numerous vehicles were doing “tailspins and burnouts” around families, including children, waiting for the Labor Day parade to start.
Police arrived on the scene. After stepping out of their patrol car, they observed a vehicle “burn tires” and drive away northbound. Police advised them to stop.
A male party that police have encountered numerous times for reckless driving complaints is in the crowd and addresses police negativity. Another male party, Robert Bryant, began screaming and cursing at police. Robert Bryant was then detained. Bryant then allegedly became more irate and continued to cuss at police with children and families watching. Robert kept trying to turn around while being escorted to a patrol car. Due to the screaming coming over the police radio, other officers responded to the scene accordingly.
Once at the jail, Robert became confrontational with Jasper Police and Jail staff.
Robert Bryant was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting stop, halt, frisk.
Whitwell Police state that the safety of all citizens is a top priority. Reckless driving puts everyone in danger, especially when small children are lined up on the side of the highway waiting for a parade.
TCA 55-10-407 Reckless Driving: Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.
