From WRIL –
On Saturday September 28, 2019 just after 5:00pm Middlesboro Officer Chris Barnes on routine patrol observed a 2001 silver Dodge 4 door pulling onto Highway 25E from Dansbury Avenue.
The driver pulled into the median with no traffic coming, waited, pulled into the lane of travel and then made an abrupt left turn into oncoming traffic into Pizza Hut’s parking lot.
Officer Barnes initiated a traffic stop, noticing that the driver – identified as 29-year-old Donna Simmons of Middlesboro – had bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils. Barnes was then joined by Lt. Joe Holder. Simmons was asked for her driver’s license and she said she didn’t have one. Middlesboro dispatch reported that Simmons had a parole violation warrant. Officer Barnes administered a standard field sobriety test which she failed. She stated that she had used Methamphetamine prior to the traffic stop.
Inside the vehicle were two other passengers, one was identified as 31-year-old Malerie Young of Barbourville. Young was also found to have an outstanding parole violation warrant and a bench warrant. The other passenger was Simmons’ 6-year-old step son sitting in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. Simmons was allowed to call a family member to come get him.
Upon a search of the vehicle, a glass pipe loaded with a crystal-like substance and a set of digital scales was found in a carrying bag in the front passenger seat floorboard. Malerie Young admitted possession of the items.
Both women were arrested and transported to the Middlesboro Police Department for processing. While being walked into the building, Officer Barnes saw a clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance fall from the inside of Malerie Young’s shirt onto the ground.
Lodged in the Bell County Detention Center, Donna Simmons was charged with DUI, reckless driving, no driver’s license, and wanton endangerment – 2nd degree. She was also served the parole violation. As of this report, no bond is set.
Malerie Young was charged with possession of control substance – 1st degree (Methamphetamine) and buying/possessing drug paraphernalia. She was served the $761.00 pay or stay warrant and bench warrant.