From WRIL
Early Thursday morning February 21, 2019 at midnight, Middlesboro Officer Chris Barnes conducted a traffic stop at 30th street and Cumberland Avenue on a 2006 black Chevrolet Impala due to a headlight out.
Upon contact with the driver, 22 year old Phylisha Patterson of Middlesboro, Officer Barnes states in a citation that she was speaking very fast that her eyes were bloodshot. Barnes also states that Patterson put both of her hands between her legs and was acting very nervous.
Patterson was asked to step out of the vehicle for standard field sobriety tests and Officer Barnes observed a glass pipe laying in the driver’s seat where she placed her hands. Barnes states in the citation that the pipe was loaded with a white substance believed to be Methamphetamine.
Also, on Patterson’s key ring was a zip pouch carrying case with two white oval pills that she stated were Neurontin. She failed the sobriety tests and was determined to be under the influence.
During the incident Middlesboro Dispatch notified the officers that Patterson’s tags were cancelled due to failure to maintain insurance.
Phylisha Patterson was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence – 1st offense, possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense – Methamphetamine, possession of controlled substance – 3rd degree – drug unspecified, buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain insurance, no registration plates, one headlight, and she was served a bench warrant for failure to appear in court in June of last year.
Also assisting on scene was Lt. Eddie Myers.