Short-lived Foot Pursuit in Middlesboro Results in Several Charges

From The Bell County Ky Sheriff's Department -

Gabriel Schooler - BCDC

Deputy Samson Churchwell states that he was on Exeter Avenue in Middlesboro on routine patrol Tuesday night November 5, 2025, heading toward 38th street. The deputy observed a black mini bike with two people traveling towards his cruiser at a high rate of speed without lights.

The deputy turned on the bike attempting a traffic stop, but the operator fled away at higher rate of speed. The bike then came to a stop at 25th Street and Exeter Avenue and the back passenger fled on foot toward Winchester Avenue.

Deputy Churchwell pursued the man on foot beside Midnight Market and then into traffic on Winchester Avenue causing a substantial danger of possibly being struck by oncoming traffic.

Later identifed as 20-year-old Gabriel Schooler, the man reached into his pocket and something fell out during the foot pursuit. The deputy lost sight of Schooler, but was notified by witnesses that he he had taken his hoodie off and was wearing a black shirt now. Shortly afterward Sgt. Austin Poindexter located Schooler placing him into custody. After being searched, an approximately nine-inch shank was found in his right sock.

Deputy Churchwell went back to the area Schooler dropped something and found a clear plastic bag containing a brown substance along with a Mountain Dew bottle that he advised he dropped.

Gabriel Schooler, was arrested and transported to the Bell County Detention Center charged with fleeing or evading police (on foot), wanton endangerment - 1st degree - police officer, carrying a concealed weapon, tampering with physical evidence, possession of controlled substance (drug unspecified), criminal possession of a forged instrument, public intoxication (excluding alcohol) and he was served to failure to appear warrants.

Also assisting on scene were officers from the Middlesboro Police Department along with Deputy Ryan Sams, court security Officer Dylan Morris and Sgt. Jody Risner.