Authorities Search for Attempted Murder Suspect and Driver in Polk County Chase

Suspect David Rodriguez Cruz and driver Thomas Larry Burns remain at-large after a high-speed pursuit from Bradley County into Polk County, Tennessee.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Police in Tennessee are searching for two men, David Rodriguez Cruz and Thomas Larry Burns, in connection with a stabbing in Athens and a high-speed chase that ended in Benton, Tennessee. Cruz has been charged with attempted murder, while Burns faces charges including aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony evading arrest stemming from the chase. The two men fled on foot after the vehicle they were in was abandoned at the end of the pursuit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending violent suspects who evade capture, as well as the potential dangers high-speed chases pose to public safety. The search for Cruz and Burns is a priority for authorities in the region.

The details

Police had been searching for David Rodriguez Cruz in connection with a January 22 stabbing in Athens, Tennessee. On Wednesday, Cleveland officers spotted a white SUV believed to be occupied by a known associate of Cruz's. When officers approached the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Thomas Larry Burns, turned around and fled, leading to a high-speed chase into Polk County. The chase ended when the vehicle was abandoned at an intersection in Benton, Tennessee, and the occupants fled on foot. Authorities used drones and police dogs to search the area but were unable to locate Cruz or Burns.

  • On January 22, Cruz allegedly stabbed someone in Athens, Tennessee.
  • On February 9, 2026, Cleveland police spotted a vehicle believed to be associated with Cruz and initiated a chase that ended in Benton, Tennessee.

The players

David Rodriguez Cruz

A suspect who has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing incident in Athens, Tennessee on January 22.

Thomas Larry Burns

The 41-year-old driver of the vehicle that led police on a high-speed chase from Bradley County into Polk County, Tennessee. Burns faces charges including aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony evading arrest.

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What they’re saying

“The car had tinted windows, so we couldn't see who was in the car or who was even driving. When they went up to approach the car, he turned around and almost hit the officers and took off.”

— Capt. Evie West, Cleveland Police Spokesperson (timesfreepress.com)

What’s next

Authorities are urging the public to call 911 immediately if they have any information about the whereabouts of David Rodriguez Cruz or Thomas Larry Burns. The two men are considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised not to approach them.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending violent suspects who are willing to engage in high-speed pursuits and evade capture. The search for Cruz and Burns remains a priority, as authorities work to ensure public safety in the region.