On February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., a Crossville Police officer responded to a theft report at Buc-ee’s. The store manager reported that the incident had occurred the previous night around 11:00 p.m.

Surveillance footage reviewed by the officer showed a male suspect wearing a blue jacket selecting a pair of night vision goggles, concealing them inside his jacket, then grabbing two knives from a nearby aisle and quickly shoving them into his jacket as well. The suspect then exited the store without paying for the items, valued at a total of $188.97.

The officer circulated a photo of the suspect to other officers. Sgt. Henson later spotted the individual—still wearing the same clothing—at the Bread of Life location, identified him as John Barnwell, and made contact. After reading Barnwell his Miranda rights, Sgt. Henson obtained an admission of guilt in which Barnwell confirmed he had taken all three items.

He claimed to have left one knife and the night vision goggles at a friend’s house in Monterey, while the second knife was still in his possession and was recovered. The officer placed Barnwell under arrest for theft of merchandise and transported him to the Cumberland County Jail.