WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities in Washington County, Tennessee, are searching for a man last seen in the Oak Grove area early Wednesday morning.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are searching for Michael Vernon Edwards.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies patrolling on Highway 36 shortly after midnight saw a suspicious vehicle parked behind Gray Station Baptist Church. Edwards was reportedly standing outside the car with Judi Johnson, 38, of Gray.

Deputies approached Edwards and Johnson and discovered that Johnson had a suspended driver’s license. The duo then fled from the church parking lot, but deputies stopped the vehicle a few minutes later on Clearview Street and Old Stage Road, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Johnson was placed in one patrol vehicle. While patting down Edwards, Deputies found a small bag containing a crystal-like substance in his pocket,” the sheriff’s office said in a release. “Edwards then fled on foot, but Deputies were able to take him into custody and place him in a second patrol vehicle.”

While a deputy who was injured during the foot pursuit was being evaluated by EMS, Edwards allegedly crawled through the partition in the cruiser while handcuffed and fled in the patrol car. Deputies chased Edwards until he crashed the patrol car on Cora Lane, according to the sheriff’s office. He then ran away.

Sheriff Keith Sexton said authorities have been on scene since midnight searching for Edwards.

Edwards is not considered armed, but he is a parole violator, Sexton said.

Edwards is described as follows:

• Roughly 6 feet tall
• Weighs around 205 lbs
• Brown hair, brown beard
• Last seen with a red t-shirt around his handcuffs
• No pants or shoes

Anyone who sees Edwards is asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling (423) 788-1414 or 911.

The sheriff’s office has charged Edwards with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Escape
• Resisting/Evading Arrest
• Theft of Property Over $60,000
• Reckless Driving
• Driving on a Suspended License
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Simple Possession/Casual Exchange

Additional charges are possible.

Edwards was out on parole for multiple felony charges, and that parole has been revoked, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Johnson City Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Highway Patrol are assisting in the search.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Johnson was being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond on charges of simple possession, unlawful drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended license.

This story is currently developing. Stay tuned on-air and online for updates.