A Cookeville man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly ramming law enforcement vehicles and leading deputies on a pursuit while in possession of methamphetamine Sunday.
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said Shawn Patrick Gibson’s arrest following an attempted traffic stop at a business on Burgess Falls Road. The operation involved the Narcotics Division, Patrol Deputies, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Middle Tennessee Task Force.
The incident began when authorities attempted to stop Gibson at Frenchman’s Market and Deli. Gibson allegedly fled the scene and intentionally rammed the vehicles of a Putnam County Detective and a Task Force Agent.
The pursuit continued with assistance from the Aviation Division until Gibson attempted to escape through a wooded area. The press release said he drove off an embankment and struck a tree before being taken into custody.
“This is a direct result of proactive law enforcement and strong partnerships with our state and regional agencies,” Farris said. “When individuals choose to put our Deputies and the public at risk, we will hold them accountable.”
Detectives searched the vehicle and discovered approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and 3.35 ounces of marijuana. They also found 15 Schedule IV pills, including Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Clonazepam.
Investigators also seized $1,100 from Gibson. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the money is believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Gibson has a criminal history that includes prior felony drug charges and aggravated assault. Records indicate he has been booked into the Putnam County Jail over 20 times.
He now faces charges of manufacture, delivery, and sale of Schedule II, IV, and VI drugs, along with assault against a first responder and evading arrest.
Gibson is being held on a $518,000 bond and has a court date scheduled for March 4.
