Blair pleads not guilty to attempted murder charges

TOP PHOTO: Josh Blair, 31, of Clinton was bound over to the Campbell County Grand Jury.

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Joshua “Josh” Neil Blair has pleaded not guilty to the charges he incurred after fleeing from Campbell County authorities earlier this year.

Originally charged with violation of probation, a hold for Morgan County, a hold for Anderson County, assault on a first responder or nurse, aggravated assault on a first responder or nurse and attempted criminal homicide, he acquired additional charges after a chase and manhunt.

Blair now faces charges of theft over $10,000, felony evading arrest, vandalism over $1,000, five counts of reckless endangerment, six counts of aggravated assault, two counts vandalism over $10,000, four counts of attempted second degree murder. In court yesterday, he pleaded not guilty with his case being reset for June 28.

In March, a Campbell County Deputy, traveling along Highway 63 saw a Chevrolet rollback truck that had been reported stolen. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the man behind the wheel, later identified as Blair, refused to exit and drove off. A pursuit began traveling through several fields and yards of homes before Blair returned to the road. According to a report from the sheriff’s office, Blair then put the rollback in reverse and repeatedly rammed police cruisers. The pursuit continued into Claiborne County where Blair abandoned the truck in a field and fled on foot.

The pursuit became a manhunt as Sheriff Robbie Goins and his team hunted for Blair for nearly 72 hours. They relied on the assistance of multiple agencies including the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Helicopter Unit.

During the investigation, detectives with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about Blair’s identity. Blair was taken into custody in the Big O’s parking lot while he sat in a car.

Blair allegedly said the chase started because he had a “loaded needle in his seat, and he knew he was going to jail.” Blair said his use of Heroin leads to blackouts, and he had no recollection of the chase. He allegedly told police he only remembers waking up in the woods later that night. Blair allegedly confessed to the crimes.

“This arrest is due to the hard work of our deputies and the great relationships we have built over the years with other law enforcement agencies,” said Sheriff Robbie Goins.

Blair remains housed in the Campbell County Jail this morning on a half-million dollar secure bond. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/01/2022-6AM)