LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Being attentive ended with an arrest for Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Dakota Williams last week. Williams was patrolling on Glade Springs Road when he saw a Chevy pick-up truck with a license plate displayed at an angle with only one screw securing it to the vehicle. He also noticed the registration was expired from July 2019. Williams was attempting to make a traffic stop when the driver of the pick-up stopped abruptly in the middle of the roadway, according to a report from the sheriff’s office.

Williams made contact with the driver of the vehicle identified as Brandon Hatmaker. The deputy allegedly noticed a holster for a firearm attached under the steering wheel of the Chevy. He asked Hatmaker if there was a firearm inside the truck as Hatmaker placed his hand in between the seat and center console. Hatmaker was given verbal commands to show his hands, but he reached inside his pocket. Hatmaker refused several verbal commands from Williams, but eventually exited the Chevy Avalanche. While Williams was putting the handcuffs on Hatmaker, he noticed a small baggie containing a clear crystal-like substance laying in the driver’s side floorboard. Williams retrieved the firearm and holster from the pick-up and secured it.

Hatmaker, 32, 234 Crest View Lane, LaFollette was charged with improper display of tags, violation registration law, violation of TN financial law, possession of schedule II controlled substance, driving while in possession of Methamphetamine and unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/24/2022-6AM)