Deputy in ICU following scuffle with DUI suspect

Aug. 20– Clarification: Hardin County Deputy Sheriff Matt Terry said the sequence of events in the incident actually has both he and Deputy Robert Jaggars at the scene of the arrest before he called for backup. Jaggars arrived shortly after Terry initiated the traffic stop after getting a "be on the lookout" notice from Central Dispatch for a possible intoxicated motorist.

Terry said he did not call for backup until Jaggars was injured. He said also that the suspect's driving was erratic, but he was not speeding.

Aug. 18– Hardin County Deputy Sheriff Robert Jaggars is in intensive care in Memphis after being injured during a scuffle with a DUI suspect early this morning.

Jaggars, a five-year veteran with the department, suffered a severe head laceration, said Sheriff Sammy Davidson.

According to the incident report, Deputy Matt Terry was dispatched concerning a possible intoxicated driver leaving Tishomingo County in Mississippi and entering Hardin County on Tenn. 57.

Terry observed the tan Ford Explorer swerving and crossing lanes while traveling at a high speed and initiated a traffic stop.

After questioning, driver Antwan Deshawn Patterson, 21, of Corinth, Miss., allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol.

After a series of failed field sobriety tests, Terry told Patterson he was under arrest for driving under the influence.

Terry reported that as he began to place the handcuffs on him, Brown began to struggle.

Jaggars arrived in response to Terry’s call for backup. Together they grabbed Patterson and took him to the ground.

Davidson said Jaggars was knocked unconscious when he hit the back of his head on the pavement.

Terry subsequently subdued Patterson using a chemical spray and took him into custody.

Jaggars was airlifted to the Med in Memphis. A CT scan revealed bleeding on the brain and he was placed in intensive care, Davidson said.

"We think they will keep him in intensive care for two to three days to allow for swelling to go down," he said.

Terry received only minor injuries.

Patterson is charged with DUI, assault on an officer, resisting arrest and driving on a revoked license.

He remains held at the Hardin County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond.