A Maryville police officer who was working a protection detail escort for Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on Friday was critically injured when his police motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) SUV unit.
The Vances traveled to East Tennessee for a Republican National Committee fundraiser dinner held at Blackberry Farm resort in Walland.
The City of Maryville reported that Police Officer FTO Justin Brown (pictured above) was critically injured upon striking a THP vehicle while working the vice president and second lady’s motorcade on East Lamar Alexander Parkway at Merritt Road at approximately 6:11 p.m. Friday.
Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp (pictured here) said Brown was aided by a group of bystanders on the scene, who “immediately administered urgent first aid” and “played a critical role” in saving the officer’s life.
“To those individuals whose quick response saved FTO Brown’s life last night, we could never thank you enough. You are true heroes,” Crisp said in a statement.
Brown was transported by American Medical Response to the University of Tennessee Medical Center following the crash, which is actively being investigated by the THP Critical Incident Response Team.
The officer was taken to surgery at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at which time he remained in critical condition with significant injuries, according to a release by the city.
“We are grateful for each and every one and appreciate the prayers and support from all over the state. Our hearts and prayers also go out to the trooper involved in the crash. The Maryville Police Department extends our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us through this situation,” Crisp said.
“Please continue to keep FTO Brown, his family, his medical team in your prayers. We know they are working,” he added.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Image “Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp” by Blount County Sheriff, “Police Officer Justin Brown” by Maryville Police Department.
