CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Late on April 23, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Courtney Charles came across a white Ford Escape in the Shelton Hollow area of Caryville with two individuals inside. Charles contacted dispatch reporting she had come across a couple of individuals inside a car with the engine running and the keys in the ignition. Charles believed the pair was participating in the use of an illegal narcotic. Charles was joined by Deputy Preston Mullins.

When Mullins arrived, he found April Marie Gentry sitting in the driver’s seat of the Ford Escape with the ignition on, and when he was speaking with Gentry, he noticed she was allegedly acting excited and was unable to sit still. She then began uncontrollably jerking and flailing her arms and head, according to a report from the sheriff’s office. Gentry was asked to step out of the car and asked if she had any illegal items inside the vehicle. She allegedly said she had a Meth pipe, under the passenger seat. She also reported that she had her prescription Suboxone and had been taking it.

Mullins attempted to have Gentry perform field sobriety tests, but she allegedly became belligerent and began cursing the officers on the scene. Mullins was forced to restrain Gentry. Mullins spoke with the passenger who gave a false name. Mullins along with Sgt. Josh Jeffers conducted a warrant check on the name the passenger had given and was advised the individual by that name was currently housed in the Campbell County Jail. Mullins then detained the passenger who later relented and gave deputies his actual name, David Grey, and advised he had provided the false name because he was aware of a violation of probation from Scott County. A warrant check confirmed what Grey had reported.

Mullins searched the SUV and allegedly found a glass smoking device with a clear rock like substance believed to be Methamphetamine inside, under the passenger seat. Grey allegedly admitted he and Gentry had been smoking Meth.

Gentry was transported to the county jail where she was asked again to perform field sobriety tests. During the test, she clinched her fists, took a fighting stance, and said Mullins was making her mad. Mullins thought Gentry was becoming too belligerent to perform the tests. She then allegedly refused a blood draw and said Mullins was judging her because she smoked the Meth.

Gentry, 43, 1460 Cherry Bottom Rd., Caryville, was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), possession of schedule II controlled substance, other, violation implied consent law, assault against a first responder and disorderly conduct.

Grey, 39, homeless, LaFollette was held for Scott County. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/02/2022-6AM)