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Dunlap Police Arrest Man after Pursuit on Christmas Day

A Dunlap man is facing multiple felony charges following a vehicle pursuit and foot chase on Christmas Day, according to the Dunlap Police Department.

Police say officers attempted to stop a white Ford F-150 driven by Jared Keith Welch around 2:05 p.m. on Highway 28 in Dunlap. Authorities say Welch was driving on a suspended license and had active felony warrants out of Sequatchie County.

According to police, Welch refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit that continued onto Highway 127 near Kell Loop at the foot of Signal Mountain. Investigators say Welch turned onto a dirt road and rammed through a cattle gate, causing damage to the property.

Police say Welch continued driving recklessly before wrecking the truck on the dirt road and fleeing on foot. After a lengthy foot pursuit and assistance from residents in the area, officers were able to take Welch into custody.

Welch is charged with felony evading arrest (three counts), vandalism, possession of stolen property, and driving on a suspended driver’s license.

The Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.