During a traffic patrol, police noticed a vehicle that appeared to be operated improperly. Attempts to stop the vehicle prompted evasive maneuvers, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop in a residential driveway.
On March 11th, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department was patrolling southbound on S. Lincoln Street near Gordon Drive when officers observed a vehicle traveling north without functioning registration lamps. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated as they attempted to turn around and follow.
According to court documents, the vehicle, driven by Dustin Brees, 44, of Knoxville, made an abrupt turn eastbound onto Jennings Street. Police activated their emergency lights, and the vehicle eventually pulled into a driveway at an angle. Officers observed the vehicle shaking noticeably, causing dice hanging from the rearview mirror to bounce side to side.
Authorities notes, when they found a female in the front passenger seat, Brees in the rear driver-side seat, and another male in the rear passenger seat, while the driver’s seat was empty. Investigators reported that when speaking to the female away from the other passengers, she stated that Brees had been driving and had moved to the back seat after parking the car.
Brees was placed in handcuffs and read his Miranda rights. A check with dispatch revealed that Brees did not have a valid driver’s license in the State of Iowa. Brees admitted to officers that he had been driving the vehicle.
Criminal complaint states, a certified K9 conducted a search of the vehicle and gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics. Officers located a blue THC vape device under the driver’s seat and a digital scale with a white, crystal-like substance in the trunk area.
Brees was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is being held on a $2,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 20th. He faces charges of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana, first offense, serious misdemeanor), interference with official acts (simple misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor).
