Suspects In Stolen Truck Lead Police On Multi County, High Speed Pursuit…Ends With Arrests

An investigation into stolen trucks in the region leads multiple jurisdictions in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia on a three county high speed chase that ends with the arrests of two suspects. One of the stolen trucks was located and a pursuit began in Bristol Tennessee where 29 year old Nathan Ray Blankenship and 27 year old Ashley Renee Justus both of Cedar Bluff Virginia reached speeds of over one hundred miles per hour after refusing to stop for authorities. Sullivan County deputies joined the pursuit that headed toward Johnson City on 11E. That’s when Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers stepped in to assist. The pair then reversed directions and headed back to Bristol where they were finally apprehended at exit five in Bristol, Virginia. Blankenship and Justus each are facing numerous offenses including theft and drug charges. Evidence gathered at the scene link both to other vehicle thefts in the area.