Break Light Leads to Drug Bust
By Lewis Loflin
Drug Arrest Following Traffic Stop
On May 25, 2014, at approximately 10:28 P.M., officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Narvell K. McDermott, 28, of 1308 Knob Creek Rd., Apt. 6, Johnson City, TN. He faces charges of Manufacturing/Delivery/Sale of a Controlled Substance, Driving on a Revoked License, Light Law Violation, Evading Arrest, and Motor Vehicle Theft.
The incident began when officers, traveling south on S. Roan St., noticed a vehicle with a malfunctioning brake light. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the driver fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Investigation revealed 44.6 grams of crack cocaine and $667 in cash on McDermott’s person, both of which were seized. Further checks confirmed his license was revoked, and the vehicle’s owner reported it had been taken without consent.
McDermott was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is held on a $22,000 bond. His arraignment was scheduled for May 27, 2014, at 1:30 P.M. in Washington County General Sessions Court.
Source: Johnson County Police Department, May 2014.
Stolen Furniture Lands Two Tennessee Men in Jail
Theft from Factory Direct Warehouse
On May 10, 2014, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Michael Howe, 38, of 417 Barnett Dr., Kingsport, TN, and Robert Clark, 40, of 162 Franklin Heights Rd., Jonesborough, TN, charging them with Theft of Property Over $1,000.
The arrests stemmed from an investigation into a theft reported at Factory Direct, 3207 N. Roan St., Johnson City. Following a tip received by the Kingsport Police Department about the location of stolen property, authorities discovered that Howe and Clark, both delivery drivers, had been selling furniture stolen from the Factory Direct warehouse. The stolen goods were valued at over $1,000.
Both men were arrested and are being held in the Washington County Detention Center on $10,000 bonds each. A preliminary court date was set for May 12, 2014, at 9:00 A.M. in Washington County General Sessions Court.
Reference: Johnson City Police Department and Washington County Tennessee Sheriff, May 2014.
Identity Theft and Counterfeit Cash Arrest
2019 Incident at Willow Springs Park
On April 4, 2019, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Deon S. Presnell, 22, of 4017 Old Jonesborough Hwy., Jonesborough, TN. He was charged with three counts of Identity Theft, Criminal Simulation, Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on a Revoked License (4th Offense), and Evading Arrest.
At approximately 5:40 P.M., officers patrolling near Willow Springs Park observed Presnell slumped over in the driver’s seat of a red SUV. Upon making contact, Presnell provided three different Social Security numbers, none of which matched his identity. When confronted, he fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Officers confirmed his identity and found three counterfeit $100 bills with identical serial numbers and drug paraphernalia in his possession.
Presnell was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is held on a $43,000 bond. His arraignment was scheduled for April 5, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. in Washington County General Sessions Court.
Source: Johnson City Police Department, April 2019.
Acknowledgment
Acknowledgment: I’d like to thank Grok, an AI by xAI, for helping me draft and refine this article. The final edits and perspective are my own.
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