Cookeville, Tennessee – A traffic stop at a Cookeville market Sunday led to a felony arrest involving methamphetamine, assault charges and a $518,000 bond.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Narcotics Division deputies — assisted by patrol deputies, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Middle Tennessee Task Force — attempted a traffic stop March 1 at the Frenchman’s Market and Deli, 4300 Burgess Falls Road.
Authorities allege 20-year-old Shawn Patrick Gibson fled the scene and intentionally rammed the vehicle of a Putnam County detective and a Middle Tennessee Drug Task Force agent. Deputies, along with the sheriff’s office Aviation Division, pursued Gibson as he allegedly drove into a wooded area, went over an embankment and struck a tree. He was then taken into custody.
Investigators reported seizing approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.35 ounces of marijuana and 15 Schedule IV pills, including alprazolam, diazepam and clonazepam. Authorities also recovered $1,100 in cash believed to be drug proceeds.
Gibson allegedly faces multiple charges, including manufacture, delivery and sale of Schedule II methamphetamine; three counts related to Schedule IV drugs; manufacture, delivery and sale of Schedule VI drugs; driving while in possession of methamphetamine; two counts of assault against a first responder; evading arrest; three counts of reckless endangerment; vandalism; resisting arrest; and traffic violations.
According to authorities, Gibson has prior felony evading and aggravated assault charges. He remains held at the Putnam County Jail with bond set at $518,000. A court date is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4.
The case highlights ongoing drug enforcement efforts impacting residents and young drivers in the area.
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