From WRIL - The Big One -
On Thursday evening February 15, 2024, at 6:00pm, Middlesboro Police Officers Marti Messer, Jacob Quillen, Lt. Jordan Hurd, and Lt. Josh Burchett were dispatched to a dispute call at a Cumberland Avenue apartment building in the 2700 block.
Officers responded making contact with a male identified as 35-year-old Cody Gaines. Officers advised that Gaines was immediately aggressive and belligerent toward them.
He was standing outside his apartment on the second floor yelling obscenities and cursing at the officers. Officers also stated that Gaines - in possession of a large dog - was threatening to command the animal to attack officers.
A short time later Gaines went back into his residence barricading himself inside, a standoff then ensued. Officers then set up a perimeter evacuating the other occupants of the apartment building. During the course of the incident, officers received information that Gaines was possibly in possession of a firearm and he made multiple threats to shoot officers if they attempted to enter his apartment.
After three hours of trying to persuade Gaines to exit the apartment, officers made entry after deploying gas pellets, taking Gaines into custody. The approximately 200lb. dog did lunge and attempt to attack officers and unfortunately due to Gaines use of the animal in this way, it had to be put down quickly and humanely for the protection of the officers.
Cody Gaines was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with (4) four counts of wanton endangerment - 1st degree, terroristic threatening, menacing, disorderly conduct, fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, harboring a vicious animal, and obstructing governmental operations.
Middlesboro Police were assisted by the Barbourville Police Department, Bell County Sheriff's Department, Cumberland Gap National Park Service, and Middlesboro Fire/EMS.
This is the second and similar incident involving Gaines at the same address within two months. On December 18th of last year, Officer Caleb Ayers was dispatched to the Cumberland Avenue apartment building regarding a dispute. Upon contact, Gaines was shouting at the officer from the second floor.
Gaines became hostile and combative toward Officer Ayers who stated that the man was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol. His behavior caused a disturbance to other occupants of the apartment building so he was placed under arrest charged with disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication. Gaines began fighting with Officers Ayers, Quillen, and Lt. Clay Hurd, and put them all in danger of falling from the flight of stairs onto the ground.
After being placed in custody, Gaines was transported to Middlesboro ARH for medical attention. While at the facility he continued to fight with officers and assaulted a staff member by kicking them in the stomach. During transport from the hospital to the police cruiser, Gaines attempted to disarm Officer Ayers, but was subdued.
He was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with wanton endangerment - 1st degree - police officer, menacing, resisting arrest, assault - 3rd degree - (police officer), assault - 3rd degree (EMS, Fire, Rescue Squad), disorderly conduct, and alcohol intoxication in a public place - 1st & 2nd offense.
He was released on bond January 4th.