From WRIL -
Early Wednesday morning April 6, 2022, a short time after midnight, a traffic stop was conducted on Cumberland Avenue at Econo Lodge on a white 2007 Ford F250 by Middlesboro Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson for the headlights not being on.
Upon contact with the driver, 55 year old Rick Owens of Middlesboro, Sgt. Johnson detected the odor of Marijuana and that Owens was acting nervous. Owens was informed of the reason for the stop and then asked consent to search his vehicle which was denied. The sergeant then requested K-9 Officer Nick Capps and Rahab to do a free-air sniff of the vehicle which resulted in an alert.
A search revealed a half bottle of Whiskey, approximately 1.6 ounces of a rock-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine, multiple clear distribution bags, a digital scale, a hidden compartment magnet box, $296.00, a cell phone, an OTI-15 rifle, 2 bags of what is believed to be Marijuana, and a black Browning Arms Co handgun which was determined to be stolen out of Ohio.
Rick Owens was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine), trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz), receiving stolen property (firearm), buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, possession of open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, improper us of blue lights, insufficient head lamps, and failure to illuminate head lamps.
Also assisting on scene were Officers Hunter Marcum and Morgan Justice.