Three Injured in Monday Evening Crash

Three people were airlifted after their pickup truck crashed Monday evening on Big Rock Road.
According to Trooper Bobby Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 31 year old Christopher Lewis of McMinnville and 34 year old Carol Lewis of Smithville were flown by helicopter ambulance from near the scene to Vanderbilt Hospital while 31 year old Johnny Ray of Smithville was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.
Trooper Johnson told WJLE that Christopher Lewis was traveling north on Big Rock Road in a 1996 Chevy S-10 when he failed to negotiate a curve and went off the right side of the road and struck a tree. After the crash, Lewis got out and apparently tried to flee on foot. He was later spotted lying in the woods several yards from the crash site. According to Trooper Johnson members of the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad arrived on the scene and brought Lewis back up a steep embankment in a stokes basket. Trooper Johnson said Lewis acted belligerently and appeared to be intoxicated.
Meanwhile Carol Lewis and Johnny Ray, passengers of the pickup, were trapped in the truck. Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department used extrication equipment to get them out.
Trooper Johnson said charges are pending .
The crash was investigated by Trooper Johnson along with Trooper Adam Cothron , Sergeant Billy Prater and members of the Critical Incident Response Team of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Along with several members of the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, DeKalb EMS and Sheriff’s Deputies were also on the scene.