From The Middlesboro Police Department -
On Wednesday afternoon February 10, 2021, at approximately 2:55pm Officers were dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The caller stated that Loss Prevention personnel was chasing the suspect toward Jim Brown Supply.
Upon Officer Chris Barnes arrival he observed a suspect matching the description that was given out by dispatch running north across 25th street. The officer then exited his vehicle and began to chase the suspect on foot while identifying himself as an officer and commanding him to stop.
The suspect continued to run while ignoring all of Officer Barnes' commands. Barnes was able to catch the suspect and detain him until he was identified by Walmart personnel as being the shoplifter. He was identified as 43-year-old Robert Inman of Middlesboro.
During the arrest Officer Barnes found two distribution bags that contained a crystal rock-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine.
Robert Inman was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with theft by unlawful taking over $500, fleeing or evading police - 2nd degree (on foot), possession of controlled substance - 1st degree (Methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.