A routine traffic stop in the early hours of November 8, 2026, led Rockwood police to uncover an illegal alcohol sale, resulting in criminal charges for a local convenience store clerk.

According to reports filed by the Rockwood City Police Department, Patrolman Garry M. Kinney initiated a traffic stop at approximately 2:29 a.m. on November 8 after spotting a vehicle traveling with unilluminated rear taillights near Gateway Avenue. The car pulled over at Griffith Family Pharmacy, where officer Kinney made contact with the driver, 18-year-old Jacob Chandler, and a 16-year-old juvenile passenger.

Due to the time of night and the passenger’s age, officers inquired about their travels. Upon observing a concealed bag inside the vehicle, officers discovered a six-pack of Smirnoff Screwdriver alcoholic beverages. Chandler admitted to purchasing the alcohol nearby.

Further investigation led officers to the Rocky Top Market (Exxon) at 101 S. Gateway Ave., where they spoke with the on-duty cashier, identified as 28-year-old Matthew Ryan Hicks. Although Hicks initially claimed he had scanned a customer identification card, he later recanted, stating he might have manually entered information and could not recall the transaction details.

The store manager subsequently arrived and provided officers with surveillance footage of the incident. The video footage confirmed that Chandler purchased the alcoholic beverages and a package of Zyn nicotine pouches after Hicks scanned the items and entered a randomized date of birth without properly verifying identification.

Following the investigation, Hicks was charged with violating T.C.A. 57-5-301 for failing to properly request and verify identification and selling alcoholic beverages to a minor. Chandler was issued a traffic citation, and the juvenile passenger was safely released to their parents.