Shawn Lee Metzler remains jailed and is due in court this morning

The red car was said to have collided with the blue car early last Wednesday afternoon at the South 13 and West Hemlock Streets intersection. Police say two men, one being the driver, ran from the scene.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- While a woman was needing medical attention, a man was running from the scene of the wreck that injured her. Last Wednesday at 12:56pm, La Follette Police Officer Christian Mullins was dispatched to the area of South 13th and West Hemlock Streets. While enroute the officer was told one person was injured and that two men had fled from the scene.

The driver of this Ford Explorer was treated at the scene of last Wednesday’s wreck and then transported to the La Follette Medical Center.

Upon arrival, Mullins made contact with Charles Oliver Owens. Owens was a passenger in his own car, a 2012 red Ford Edge, that was being driven by another man, based on the police report. Owens allegedly told the officer he did not know who the man is who was driving his car.

Mullins said in the report the unknown male ran the four way stop sign while behind the wheel of the Edge. The red car T-boned a 2020 blue Ford Explorer that a woman was driving with her adult daughter as a passenger. The driver was injured and transported by Campbell EMS to the La Follette Medical Center.

Several bystanders told police the driver of the Edge was seen running west back up the hill on West Hemlock Street near Seiber Way. Other LPD Officers soon located Shaun Lee Metzler at 107 Seiber Way. Metzler was brought back to the scene for questioning.

During Mullins’ investigation, he allegedly located a needle on the dashboard near the speedometer of the Edge. Police found a black container in the back seat of the Edge that held several needles along with a nearby clear bag with suspected methamphetamine/heroin, according to the police report. The report also states that more needles, possible methamphetamine/heroin and a pipe were located in the trunk of the Edge.

Metzler allegedly admitted the needle on the dashboard was his. He and Owens denied ownership of the rest of the drug paraphernalia and the drugs.

Police requests for a field sobriety test and blood draw on Metzler were not granted. However, a blood sample was able to be taken from Metzler after the execution of a search warrant.

Police say Shaun Lee Metzler was behind the wheel of this car when it wrecked and that he ran from the scene.

Mullins stated in his report that he observed Metzler had red, glossy eyes and abnormally pinpoint restricted pupils. Based on the presence of suspected meth, heroin and drug paraphernalia as well as the manner of the crash and Metzler’s behavior, it was believed that Metzler was under the influence of an impairing substance.

Metzler, 44, of 767 Mt. Paran Road, Jacksboro, was charged with violation of the implied consent law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, driving while license cancelled, suspended or revoked-2nd offense, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Owens, 54, of 344 State Lane, La Follette, faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and schedule II possession.

La Follette Fire and Police responded along with Campbell EMS.

Metzler and Owens are due to appear in court this morning. Both are being held in the Campbell County Jail on bond, $30,000 for Metzler and $7,500 for Owens. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/16/2025-6AM)

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