52-year-old David Esserman, of Knoxville, was arrested and charged for assaulting multiple Knoxville police officers after fleeing a traffic stop on McTeer Street early Monday afternoon.

On Monday, June 3, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers were conducting a directed patrol in response to a drug complaint in the McTeer Street area. At around 12:20 p.m., officers stopped a silver Infiniti sedan at Filmore Avenue and McTeer Street for traffic violations.

After conducting their initial investigation, which led officers to suspect the driver was in possession of narcotics, the driver was asked to step out of the car for further investigation. However, the driver, who was identified as Esserman, began to start the car and attempt to drive away.

During their efforts to prevent the car from leaving, two KPD officers were injured after being drug by Esserman’s car. Both officers were later treated at the UT Medical Center for minor injuries.

After Esserman fled the scene in the Infiniti, officers initiated a pursuit of the suspect. Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist, while KCSO Airwatch provided additional support. KCSO eventually took the lead on the pursuit, which continued until it ended in the area of Whittle Springs Road and Hoitt Avenue.

After the car stopped, Esserman ran over the foot of a KCSO deputy and rammed into an occupied KCSO cruiser before he was ultimately taken into custody.

A search of Esserman and his car led to the seizure of over 350 grams of suspected marijuana and over $40,000 in U.S. currency.

Esserman was charged with four counts of aggravated assault – two counts for the KPD officers injured during the initial traffic stop and two additional counts in regards to the KCSO deputies where the pursuit ended. Esserman was also charged with two counts of evading arrest, resisting arrest, and sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug.