On May 8, 2026, while traveling on I-40 East Bound in Cumberland County, Deputy Devyne Templeton ran the registration of a Kentucky-plated vehicle and learned it had been reported stolen in Kentucky. A felony traffic stop was conducted at the 329 East Bound offramp.

Chassity Michelle Thomas, who was in the back seat, was identified, read her Miranda rights, and admitted she had been the primary person in possession of the vehicle. She was placed under arrest for possession of stolen property (Theft of Property valued at $2,500 to under $10,000).

An Affidavit of Complaint was filed on May 11, 2026, leading to a case in Cumberland County General Sessions Court. A judicial commissioner found probable cause and issued an arrest warrant for Thomas on the theft charge.