Wreck leads to arrest of two for guns, drugs

Published 2:35 pm Monday, April 22, 2019

An early morning wreck landed two men in jail for both drugs and weapons.

According to a press release from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Jonathan Maples, of Pleasureville, Ky., and 24-year-old Dustin Baker, of Middlesboro, both remain in the Bell County Detention Center on multiple charges.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Monday, deputies responded to an accident near Sears on U.S. 25E.

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Bell County Deputy Justin Patterson, Middlesboro Police Sgt. Josh Burchett and officer Joel Quillen discovered a damaged Nissan with the two men inside.

The release states during the course of the investigation, it was determined there were no injuries, but the officers did discover two pistols in the driver’s side floor. Continuing the investigation, the officers found 15 Suboxone strips in their original packaging tied together in the back seat.

According to the release, one pound of a crystal-like substance that is believed to be methamphetamine was also found along with distribution baggies and two sets of digital scales. Officers found a total of $550 in cash on Maples, who was driving the vehicle. Found on Baker were seven round pills believed to be morphine and other pills believed to be Alprazolam. Baker attempted to run on foot but was apprehended.

Both men were placed under arrest.

Maples is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Baker is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing or evading police, and he was also served three bench warrants.

Both men remain in the Bell County Detention Center on no bond and a court date has yet to be determined.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office and WRIL contributed to information in this story.