Westel, TN- Cumberland County deputies responded to Rocky Top in Westel for a motor vehicle theft on Saturday night. When deputies arrived on the scene, they spoke with a man identified as Monte Cook who was visiting Tennessee from Oklahoma. Monte advised that he stopped by the Rocky Top to use the restroom. He stated he had left his truck running in front of the store and he thought he had locked his truck with his key fob. Whenever he exited the restroom, he found his truck was missing.
Monte listed several expensive items that were in his truck. This included two iPhones, a laptop, a handgun, a PS5 Playstation, a Yeti cooler filled with liquor, and lots of high-end clothing. He estimated all of his items to be around $14,500.
After notifying the Tennessee Highway Patrol, they were able to locate the stolen truck at mile marker 294 on Interstate 40 westbound. According to the State Trooper, after he located the truck, he saw a man with dark clothing jump out of the truck and run west on the interstate. The man left the truck in Drive. The State Trooper was able to place the truck in park and turn it off.
Once the truck was returned to Monte, the only items stated missing were his handmade cowboy boots and hat. He valued these items at $1,000 each as they were made by hand for him.
The suspect was not located.
