Gangster Disciple on Trial Flees during Jury Deliberations

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a career criminal who ran from police nearly striking an officer; however, the Defendant, fled the courthouse during jury deliberations and did not return for the verdict. Roshaun Dinal Colbert, 36, was convicted of Evading Arrest, Reckless Endangerment, and Attempted Tampering with Evidence. When Colbert did not return for the announcement of the jury’s verdict, Judge Bob McGee issued a warrant for his arrest.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton explained to the jury that on August 3, 2014, Lt. Brian Bush and other officers with the Knoxville Police Department were investigating a stabbing at 2724 E. Magnolia Avenue. Lt. Bush approached a parked vehicle with Colbert in the driver’s seat. When Colbert rolled down the window, Lt. Bush smelled marijuana and observed several baggies in his lap, one of which contained marijuana. Colbert then suddenly turned the wheels toward Lt. Bush and accelerated quickly, forcing Bush to jump out of the way to avoid being stuck by the vehicle. Colbert sped away, but he lost control of the vehicle, crashed, and was taken into custody.

“This brazen career criminal has a violent criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous,” said DA Charme Allen.”Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Roshaun Colbert should contact the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-7212.”

Colbert has six prior felony convictions including convictions for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Reckless Endangerment, and four prior convictions for Aggravated Assault. Once apprehended, Colbert faces a minimum sentence of twelve years in prison for this case. Colbert has been identified as a member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.