Sparks Fly in Cola Caper
ATHENS, Tenn. (WTVC-TV) - A daring thief in McMinn County steals a soda machine... wrapping it with a log chain and driving off with the machine dragging behind vehicle.
But someone spotted the man and called 9-1-1 when they saw the bizarre scene heading down the highway. Sheriff Steve Frisbie says he's never seen a crime quite like it.
When deputies spotted the culprit, sparks flew and sirens blared down Highway 39 early Wednesday morning. Sheriff Frisbie said the suspect, Nicholas Nunley, 29, was apparently looking for some quick cash by pulling the pop machine from a Dollar General store in Riceville.
Nunley led officers on a high speed chase for miles, which the soda machine swinging wildly on the pavement behind his vehicle. Finally the chain wore down and the machine came free... but Nunley sped ahead for several more miles with deputies still in pursuit.
He finally sees that his attempt escape is futile and pulls over. Deputies say he still resisted.
"He didn't want to get out of vehicle," said Sheriff Frisbie. "They had to remove him and he put up some resistance and they had to use the taser."
Nunley was charged with vandalism, evading arrest, resisting arrest and theft over $1,000.
Today, the stolen soda machine sits scratched and scarred, but still full. The Sheriff says his officers got their 75 cents worth out of the unbelievable chase and arrest, and he's just glad they put a cap on this Cola Caper without anyone getting hurt.
The Sheriff said once Nunley was in custody, he admitted to another theft. He has a lengthy criminal history of drug and robbery charges. He is now free on a $29,500 bond.
