05/21/2026
Foot pursuit results in drug trafficking arrest:
On May 20, 2026, Corporal Chris Brown observed Joshua Gambrel seated in the driver’s seat of a Lexus LS460 sedan in the parking lot of The Mint Cumberland Run. Corporal Brown was aware that Gambrel had multiple outstanding warrants and attempted to make contact with him.
Upon seeing Corporal Brown exit his patrol vehicle, Gambrel quickly exited the Lexus and began backing away from the officer while ignoring commands to return to the vehicle. Gambrel then fled on foot behind The Mint. Following a brief foot pursuit, Corporal Brown was able to take Gambrel into custody without further incident.
During a search of Gambrel’s person, Corporal Brown located a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Based on the narcotics discovered, officers conducted a search of Gambrel’s vehicle and located a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, a bag containing ma*****na, and drug paraphernalia.
As a result of the investigation, Gambrel was charged with:
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance – 1st Degree, 2nd Offense >or=2gms methamphetamine); Possession of Ma*****na; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Public Intoxication
Additionally, Gambrel was served with the following outstanding warrants:
•Knox County Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Contempt of Court related to a Drug Court violation
•Knox County Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Non-Payment of Fines
•Laurel County Circuit Court Bench Warrant for Probation Violation stemming from charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance – 1st Degree, 1st Offense >or=2gms methamphetamine ).
Gambrel was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
Patrolman Austin Weddle and Patrolman Zachary Johnson assisted at the scene.
