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Maryville, TN (WNN) - An honor assignment turned into a horror as a freak accident involving two police officers left one officer in critical condition. Air Force Two landed at McGhee Tyson Air Base in Alcoa, Tennessee, at 5:30 pm Friday, November 14th. At approximately 6 pm, a motorcade including several law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Maryville City Police, Alcoa City Police, and Blount County Sheriff's Office, left from Knoxville Airport, in Alcoa, headed for Blackberry Farms in Walland, TN. Also included in the motorcade were the U.S. Secret Service and Fire and Rescue from local agencies. Air Force Two is the private plane of the Vice President of the United States. Vice President J.D. Vance was en route to a private fund-raising event at the world-renowned luxury resort nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
As the entourage proceeded through Maryville, TN, the accident occurred. Little details have been released about the accident. Since the incident involves two police officers from two different agencies, no official word will be released until the conclusion of the investigation. Witnesses who were lined up along the roadway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the VP, have offered a few details of what they saw. According to the witnesses, the motorcade was proceeding along East Lamar Alexander Parkway when an SUV from the Tennessee Highway Patrol made what appeared to be a U-turn near Merritt Road. As the SUV was maneuvering, a Maryville City Motorcycle Police Officer collided with it. Upon impact, the officer's bike slid under the vehicle, and the rider was thrown 15-20 feet into the roadway. It is unclear if the SUV turned into the path of the motorcycle or if the motorcycle failed to see the SUV making a turn. The Tennessee Highway Patrol Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating.
The identity of the Highway Patrolman has not been released. He was evaluated and treated at the scene. The Maryville City Motorcycle officer was not as fortunate. He sustained serious injuries. Citizens watching the motorcade rendered immediate first aid after the accident. Maryville Chief of Police Tony Crisp called these bystanders heroes, crediting them with saving the officer's life. He has been identified as FTO (Field Training Officer) Justin Brown.
In another turn of fortune for Officer Brown. This ambulance was part of the "executive protection mission" that arrived just seconds behind and provided quick aid, transporting Brown to the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, TN. Officer Justin Brown was in critical condition as he was removed from the scene. He underwent surgery at UT Hospital on Saturday at 10 am. Late Sunday evening, Maryville Chief of Police Tony Crisp gave an update on Brown's condition. According to Crisp, "Brown's injuries are significant, and the medical staff is continuing to work through challenges that his injuries present. We know the prayers of the community continue to cover him. His progress is expected to be gradual, and he will remain hospitalized for an extended period of time, but we are grateful for the improvement we have seen since Friday." Although making slight improvement, Brown remains in the ICU and is still in critical condition. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Vice President Vance was not involved in the accident and that only the two law enforcement officers were injured.
The Knox County Sheriff's helicopter escorted singer Kid Rock to Blackberry Farms on Saturday to participate in the same fundraiser as J.D. Vance. There were no incidents reported during his transportation. Blackberry Farms is an exclusive, private, family-owned luxury resort located in Walland, TN. The secluded property includes the resort and private residences. The area often hosts many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. An event center offers opportunities for galas, fundraisers, and concerts. Celebrities who have chosen the resort for their wedding include Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, and Pauline Gretzky. Kourtney Kardashian also held a birthday celebration there. A few other notable celebrities that have visited or vacationed there are Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Mareen Morris, and Paula Dean.
The Vice President left Blackberry Farms around noon on Sunday. Air Force Two departed from McGee Tyson with no incidents. It is unclear if VP Vance has been informed of the events of Friday evening. At the time of writing this article, no further updates have been made on the condition of FTO Justin Brown.
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