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Man killed during police crash was driving stolen car

Michael Joyce, 27, is dead after a brief car chase with Hamblen County deputies. 
Michael Joyce

A man killed in a crash while being pursued by a Hamblen County deputy was driving a vehicle reported stolen from his uncle and almost hit an officer head-on.

The crash happened Tuesday night on Cameron Road, near Panther Creek State Park. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said that Michael Joyce, 27, lost control on a curve and crashed into a field. The car rolled once, partially ejecting Joyce, who wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Hamblen County Captain Hugh Moore told 10News that one deputy was still taking the report on the stolen vehicle when another deputy encountered it. He said Joyce was driving on the wrong side of the road and almost hit the deputy head on.

The deputy turned to pursue, and learned that the car had been reported stolen. Joyce was driving erratically, according to Captain Moore, and times at a high rate of speed, before the crash. The deputy decided to continue the pursuit because Joyce appeared to be under the influence and posed a danger to other drivers.

Joyce had a long criminal history in Hamblen County, including DUI, drug arrests, and theft charges. He had been booked into the Hamblen County jail more than 41 times.

THP is still investigating the crash.

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One person has died following a car chase in Hamblen County Tuesday night.

Tennessee Highway Patrol said Thursday that Michael Joyce, 27, was driving a 2005 Chevy Malibu on Cameron Road when he was fleeing from the Hamblen County Sheriff's Department.

The THP report states Joyce lost control on a curve when he tried to exit off the left side of the road.

The car turned sideways, crossed back to the right side of the road, and skidded off into a field, according to the report. It then rolled once, partially ejected Joyce, and pinned him between the car and the ground before he was completely ejected.

THP said Joyce was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The investigation into the reason for the chase is still underway.

It's unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved.

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