A man in Tennessee shocked police after cutting off his penis and throwing it out of his car window mid-chase.
Tyson Gilbert, 39, from Cookeville, had pulled over near Dowelltown on Highway 70 when officers first spotted him.
Instead of cooperating, Gilbert sped away, sparking a chaotic pursuit across multiple counties.
The Start Of The Pursuit
According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, troopers noticed Gilbert’s Honda Accord parked dangerously in the road on Wednesday morning.
When officers activated their lights, Gilbert allegedly floored it and took off.
Trooper Bobby Johnson told local radio station WLJE: “He was all over the road the whole time.”
At one point, Gilbert reportedly pulled onto Old Liberty Road, slowed down, and briefly opened his car door.
Officers said he was naked, covered in blood, and appeared frenzied. Moments later, he slammed the door and continued driving erratically.
It was then police realised he had cut off his own penis and thrown it from the car.
The chase escalated, with spike strips deployed to slow him down.
First, Alexandria Police deflated his right front tire. Gilbert pushed on, limping into Wilson County with only three working tires.
Troopers deployed another set of spikes, disabling the left front wheel. Even then, Gilbert refused to stop and continued creeping along at slow speeds.
Finally, officers boxed in his car and forced him to a halt.
Voices From The Radio
After his arrest, Gilbert told police he acted because of disturbing voices.
He claimed the voices came from his car radio and told him to mutilate himself.
According to Gilbert, he believed cutting off his penis would “save the world.”
Officers immediately called for medical help after seeing his severe injury.
Aftermath
Gilbert was rushed to Vanderbilt Hospital for emergency treatment.
His current condition has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Police say multiple agencies were involved in the chase, including local sheriff’s offices and troopers from Nashville and Cookeville.
THP later confirmed Gilbert’s injuries appeared to be self-inflicted but said investigations were still ongoing.
News of the bizarre incident quickly spread across Tennessee.
Local reports note Gilbert has a history of erratic behaviour, though further details haven’t been released.
Trooper Johnson admitted the ordeal was unlike anything he’d ever seen in his career.
Featured image credit: Tim Evanson & MNPD
