Nashville, Tennessee --- A Tennessee State Trooper, investigating a minor crash Tuesday morning, apprehended a fugitive wanted in Florida. Lola M. Pennington was taken into custody on October 7, 2008, after being treated for injuries she sustained in a two-vehicle crash in Loudon County.

Trooper Carey Hixon responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 444, just after 9:00 a.m. During his investigation, Trooper Hixon discovered that one of the drivers, 24-year-old Lola Pennington, was wanted in Osceola County, Florida, on larceny and grand theft, third degree charges. Pennington was transported to the Fort Loudon emergency room where she was treated for minor injuries after the crash. Trooper Hixon arrested her at the hospital after she was released.

Pennington is being held in the Loudon County jail and is awaiting extradition to Florida.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.