Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Fugitive Following Search Effort in Iron City

On Wednesday June 10th at approximately 4:15 p.m., Lawrence County E-911 received a notification from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible sighting of an individual who had escaped custody from a Lauderdale County work-release program approximately four weeks ago.

While Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office deputies were responding to investigate the reported sighting, Lawrence County E-911 received a separate call reporting a burglary at a residence located at 121 Chestnut Street in Iron City. The reported burglary occurred in the same area where the fugitive had reportedly been seen.

Deputies responded to the residence and began gathering information from the homeowner regarding property that had been stolen during the burglary. During the investigation, a citizen informed deputies that the individual they were searching for had been seen at a residence located at 160 Spring Avenue.

A deputy with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office subsequently made contact with the suspect, identified as Blaine Allen Trousdale, who was seated inside a vehicle near the residence. As the deputy attempted to take Trousdale into custody, he exited the rear of the vehicle opposite the deputy and fled on foot before officers could gain physical control of him.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated a search operation and requested assistance from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Law enforcement personnel conducted an extensive search of the area for several hours; however, Trousdale was not located.

Trousdale is known to have ties to the southern portion of Lawrence County, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.

As a result of yesterday’s incident, warrants have been obtained charging Trousdale with Evading Arrest and Burglary. Additionally, Trousdale is currently being investigated as a person of interest in a stabbing incident that was reported last week.

The individual who was inside the vehicle with Trousdale at the time officers attempted to arrest him is also under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Blaine Allen Trousdale is encouraged to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office or Lawrence County E-911. Citizens are advised not to approach Trousdale and to immediately notify law enforcement if he is seen.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the THP, TBI, Lawrence County EMA, Loretto PD, Lauderdale County, and the public for their support.

Suspect Description:

• Blaine Allen Trousdale
• Age: 29
• Approximate Height: 5’10”
• Approximate Weight: 140 pounds
• Short dark hair
• Partial facial hair