Tennessee Highway Patrol Stop Leads to Felony Arrest

NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee state trooper on Wednesday arrested a convicted felon on weapons charges and violating probation following a traffic stop on Interstate-40 in Cocke County.

Trooper Jonathan Scott arrested Joshua Stewart, 26, from Knoxville, after he stopped his vehicle for speeding on I-40 westbound near mile marker 451. After initiating the stop, Trooper Scott noticed a woman in the passenger seat and two children, ages five and one, unrestrained in the back seat.

Stewart told the trooper he was traveling from Brevard, N.C. to Knoxville in a rental car. Stewart failed to produce a driver license or identification and allegedly provided a false name and social security number. After making a positive identification on the driver, Trooper Scott discovered that a warrant had been issued for Stewart’s arrest for violating probation stemming from a felony drug possession charge. Trooper Scott performed a search of the vehicle and found a fully loaded .38 Special revolver.

Trooper Scott arrested Stewart on an outstanding warrant, possession of a firearm with intent to go armed, identity theft, speeding, and driving on a suspended license. The passenger and the children were released and not charged.

A jail photo is available at the Cocke County Jail.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services.

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