Maryville Police Officer in Critical Condition After Motorcade Crash
A serious crash involving two law enforcement officers in Vice President JD Vance's motorcade has left a Maryville police officer in critical condition, with his recovery expected to be a long process. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, November 14, 2025, when Officer Justin Brown's police motorcycle collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol SUV near the intersection of East Lamar Alexander Parkway and Merritt Road in Maryville, Tennessee.
The crash happened while Officer Brown was providing a dignitary protection detail for the Vice President's motorcade, which was traveling from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base to a Republican National Committee fundraiser at Blackberry Farm. The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Critical Incident Response Team is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
The crash and its aftermath
The collision occurred while Officer Justin Brown was providing a dignitary protection detail escort for Vice President JD Vance's motorcade. The incident involved Brown's police motorcycle and a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) SUV.
The motorcade was traveling from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, where Vance had landed around 5:30 PM, to a Republican National Committee fundraiser at Blackberry Farm. An ambulance that was part of the motorcade stopped immediately to provide medical assistance.
Officer's condition and community response
Officer Brown's injuries are significant and life-threatening. He was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and underwent surgery on Saturday morning. Police Chief Tony Crisp stated that Brown's "progress is expected to be gradual and he will remain hospitalized for an extended period of time," and will require several more surgeries.
Chief Crisp emphasized that the quick actions of bystanders at the scene were critical. Several citizens, including a man named Dan Varady and his daughter, immediately administered first aid, including CPR, which police credit with saving Brown'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.
The condition of the Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper involved has not been officially detailed. Initial reports were conflicting, with some stating that the trooper was evaluated but not transported, while others indicated that the trooper was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later released.
Ongoing investigation and official statements
Authorities have not released any details about what caused the collision, and the investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol remains active.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that the Vice President was not impacted by the incident. "The safety and movement of our protectees were not impacted by this incident," said Katherine Pierce, the U.S. Secret Service's resident agent in charge in Knoxville.
This incident highlights the inherent risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, even during planned security operations. Our thoughts are with Officer Brown, his family, and his colleagues at the Maryville Police Department as he recovers fully.
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