Felony charges dropped against Tennessee man in Greenfield police pursuit case

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 09-20-2023 5:07 PM

GREENFIELD — The felony charges against a Tennessee man who allegedly led Greenfield police on a pursuit in March have been dropped at the request of the state.

The state asked for the felony charges of vandalism of property and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon against Sujay Mooss, of Knoxville, Tennessee, to be dropped following a review of police dash camera footage, 911 calls and police communications during the alleged pursuit, according to Mooss’ attorney, R. Dave DeHerdt. A misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct was also dismissed upon the state’s request.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” DeHerdt said. “It didn’t cause any real threat to the community or anything like that.”

Mooss was arrested on March 28 by the Deerfield Police Department after allegedly fleeing from Greenfield police officers on Bernardston Road, according to police narratives from Greenfield officers Jedadiah Henry, Marcus Paulin and Sgt. Jason Haskins. According to the narratives, upon stopping in front of the former Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe on Routes 5 and 10 in Deerfield, Deerfield Police Sgt. Brian Ravish was able to speak to Mooss and convinced him to exit the vehicle. Mooss was taken into custody and transported to the Deerfield Police Station.

While the felony charges were dismissed, Mooss admitted to sufficient facts to misdemeanor offenses of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of property damage. With admission of sufficient facts, Greenfield District Court continued the matter without a finding until June 13, 2024. Mooss also entered a guilty plea on a charge of failure to stop for police.

In terms of traffic violations, Mooss was found responsible for failing to stop or yield and a marked lanes violation, and he was found to not be responsible for a speeding violation.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.

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