Suspect in custody after holding people at gunpoint inside Smith County rest area, sheriff says

SMITH COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Smith County Sheriff's Office said a man who allegedly held a rest area at gunpoint and ran from Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Sunday morning has been taken into custody.

According to Smith County Sheriff Steve Hopper, the first incident took place at the Buffalo Valley rest area along Interstate 40 on Sunday, July 14.

The man reportedly ran into the rest area with a shotgun and held everyone at gunpoint before fleeing on foot. Law enforcement said he was described as approximately 170 pounds and 5 feet 6 inches tall with a beard, adding that he appeared to be at least 45 years old and should be considered "very dangerous."

According to THP, a trooper was later dispatched to a motorist who needed help around mile marker 267 on I-40, which is very close to the Buffalo Valley rest area.

After finding the vehicle, the trooper reportedly realized the man matched the description of the suspect from the incident at the rest area. However, when the trooper tried to detain the man, he ran into the wooded area next to the interstate, authorities said.

Shortly after 3 p.m., Hopper told News 2 the man was taken into custody in Putnam County.

THP posted photos of the suspect's arrest near Hopewell Road and Medley Amonette Road on social media platform X:

Hopper told News 2 the man was later identified as 43-year-old Gregory James Daniel of Franklin, North Carolina. He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, and evading arrest.

No additional details have been released about Sunday morning's incident at the rest area.