From the Bell County Sheriff's Department -
On Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 at approximately 12:51pm while Deputy Frank Foster was on routine patrol in the Frakes’ community on Sutty Hollow Road observed a white Dodge pick-up driven by 50-year-old James A. McCullough.
McCullough was known by Chief Deputy Doug Jordan to have outstanding warrants out of Whitley County and Deputy Foster was told to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
Deputy Foster initiated a traffic stop and as he approached the truck, he observed McCullough bending over as if to conceal something. Upon contact, McCullough was informed he was being arrested and stated he “had no idea the ATV was stolen” in regard to the outstanding warrants.
A search incident to arrest revealed an empty pistol holster on McCullough’s right-side hip which he claimed was for a pellet gun. Deputy Foster asked where the firearm was and he stated it was under the driver’s seat. After McCullough was secured, the deputy located a metal finish .22 caliber revolver, which fit perfectly into the holster. It was loaded with six hollow point bullets and the serial number had been removed.
It was discovered through Bell County Dispatch that McCullough was a convicted felon and that his driver status was suspended / revoked as well.
James McCullough was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of defaced firearm, and operating on a suspended/revoked operator’s license. He was also served the outstanding warrants.