From WRIL -
On Thursday afternoon October 17, 2019 Middlesboro Officer Chris Barnes states in a citation that he attempted to stop a blue 1991 GMC van on Old Wilson Lane for a driving infraction. The officer then saw a female, later identified as 23 year old Linda Owens of Middlesboro, jump out of the passenger door and she took off running.
The officer was able to chase down Owens who was found to have a cigarette pack full of half smoked Marijuana cigarettes on her. Found where she was sitting in the vehicle were several syringes. Middlesboro Dispatch advise that Owens had eight outstanding warrants. She was taken into custody.
The driver, identified as 47 year old Brian Gambrel of Middlesboro, also fled the vehicle once it was stopped. Barnes was able to apprehend Gambrel and secure him. Another unidentified female fled the scene but she has yet to be found.
A search of the van revealed several syringes on the driver’s side door. Barnes states that Gambrel was exhibiting signs of being intoxicated during the arrest. Middlesboro Dispatch advised that this would be Gambrel’s fourth DUI and second driving DUI suspended.
Brian Gambrel was charged with possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine), fleeing or evading police – 2nd degree on foot, driving DUI suspended license – 2nd offense (aggravated circumstances), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs 4th offense, buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. He was also served a bench warrant for court.
Linda Owens was charged with fleeing or evading police – 2nd degree on foot, possession of Marijuana, buying/possessing drug paraphernalia and she was served a complaint warrant for wanton endangerment – 1st degree and six bench warrants – 5 of which were for failure to appear in court on motor vehicle violations, a probation violation, 3 counts of possession of controlled substance and obstructing governmental operations, and several other charges involving drugs along with failure to pay fines.
While there is no bond set for Gambrel yet, at least three of Owens' charges state that she be held without bond.
Also assisting on scene were officers Jeremiah Johnson, Dakota Torstrick, and Lt. Joe Holder.