From the Knox County Sheriff's Department -
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at approximately 5:24 pm Knox County Deputies Hunter Luttrell and James Fox observed a vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign at the junction of highway 1232 and 3436 in Corbin.
When Deputies activated their emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated attempted to flee on highway 3436. While attempting to block the vehicle in, the vehicle stopped and the driver jumped out fleeing on foot through a creek. The driver, 37 year old Preston A Messer of Corbin, KY, was located in a near-by barn.
During the arrest, Preston Messer became combative striking the deputies with his fists and had to be subdued. During the arrest a plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine, loaded needles, a set of digital scales and a loaded handgun were located.
Preston Messer was charged with Trafficking in Controlled Substance-1st Degree (methamphetamine), Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fleeing or Evading Police -1st Degree (2 counts), Assault-3rd Degree-Police Officer, Criminal Mischief-2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest and Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon.
Preston Messer was also wanted on a Kentucky Parole Board Warrant for a Parole Violation.
Preston Messer was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.