One Rutherford County deputy feared for his life when a driver allegedly accelerated toward him and missed striking his vehicle by a 1-foot distance Tuesday on Rock Springs Road.

Deputy Kenny Smith avoided injury when driver Christopher Roden, 33, of U.S. Highway 231 South (Shelbyville Highway) allegedly barely missed striking the patrol cruiser during an attempted traffic stop about 9:30 p.m. Monday in theMidland community. Roden, who fled, faces charges of aggravated assault and evading arrest.

Smith reported he was driving Shelbyville Highway when he spotted the driver of a Ford Thunderbird swerving and driving without a headlight. Telecommunicators confirmed the tag was registered to a Ford Explorer. When Smith stopped the driver, he recognized Roden from previous encounters.

“While making my approach up to the vehicle, the driver accelerated, squealing tires, turned the vehicle in my direction and accelerated towards me and my vehicle causing me to fear for my life,” Smith reported.

Roden sped away with Smith in pursuit. Smith reported Roden ran numerous stop signs, drove speeds up to 110 mph on Shelbyville Highway and up to 100 mph on Midland-Fosterville Road, ran over a stop sign and cut donuts at Midland Market before crashing into a ditch and striking a utility pole.

After the crash, Roden jumped a fence and ran. Sgt. Lee Young and his K-9 tried to track the driver but were unsuccessful. Smith obtained warrants against Roden. Deputies are looking for Roden. People who have information about his location may call the sheriff’s office at 898-7770.