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Tennessee trooper ran over unresponsive man while patrolling, authorities say

Posted at 1:39 PM, Sep 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-23 13:39:17-04

GREENBRIER, Tenn. — The Tennessee Highway Patrol says a trooper ran over an unresponsive man on Highway 41 while out on patrol.

The call went out around 2 a.m. Sunday in Greenbrier, Tennessee, after a driver saw a man lying in the road. Trooper John-Mark Tarr was on patrol in the area when the 911 call was in progress.

When he saw the trooper, the driver flashed their lights to get his attention and Tarr inadvertently ran over the body, according to investigators.

Tarr called dispatch to request an ambulance. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials identified him as 49-year-old James Yates of Springfield. It’s unclear why he was in the road.

THP says the investigation remains ongoing.

This story was originally published by Laken Bowles on WTVF.