According to a report by the Crossville Police, on February 14, 2026, at around 10:13 p.m., Officer Sherrill was dispatched to a local nightclub on N. Main Street in Crossville regarding a man threatening security with a gun. Dispatch reported that the individual, described as a male in a Carhartt vest, had entered a gray Ford F150 and driven north on N. Main Street.

Upon arrival, Officer Sherrill spoke with a security guard, who explained that he had denied the man entry due to his appearing underage and intoxicated. The man then sat on the front porch swing for several minutes before, as shown on security footage, standing unsteadily, turning away from waiting patrons, lowering his pants, exposing himself, and urinating on the porch. He subsequently approached the line of people and began attempting to start fights.

Security confronted him at the doors, again refusing entry and escorting him off the property. The man refused to leave and threatened the security guard, claiming he had a gun in his truck and would “take care of this” before returning. The security guard observed him retrieve a small black gun from the passenger side of the truck, though a friend intervened and prevented him from displaying it. The man then entered the passenger seat, and the vehicle drove away north on N. Main Street. No firearm was visible on the silent video footage. Security camera video was collected as evidence, and officers searched for the vehicle.

Around 12:19 a.m. on February 15, the truck returned to the club’s parking lot. Due to the reported firearm threat, officers approached with weapons drawn. Officer Sherrill observed Lt. Karlsven holding his patrol rifle at low ready while detaining the driver prone on the ground, who was compliant.

John Fowlkes, identified from the earlier footage and confirmed by his Virginia driver’s license showing him to be 20 years old, was in the front passenger seat. Officer Sherrill drew her service pistol at low ready and issued commands for him to exit. Lt. South arrived and, with his pistol drawn, ordered John Fowlkes to lie facedown, which he did; Officer Sherrill then handcuffed him. Lt. South and Sptl. Zimmerman detained the back-seat passengers at gunpoint.

John Fowlkes was read his Miranda rights; he initially declined to speak but then agreed. He denied urinating on the porch or threatening anyone with a gun. He consented to a vehicle search, which revealed numerous alcoholic beverages throughout. An unlabeled bag of suspected marijuana was found but later lost when blown off a patrol vehicle hood; no related charges were filed. No firearm was recovered, and all occupants denied knowledge of any gun or threats, including the driver, who denied intervening to stop John Fowlkes from brandishing one.

John Fowlkes exhibited signs of intoxication, including the odor of alcohol, watery red eyes, and belligerent behavior, accusing officers of racism and stating he was ready to “die for the cause.” As a 20-year-old, he was underage for alcohol possession and consumption. He was arrested and transported to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office without incident, charged with underage possession/consumption of alcohol and disorderly conduct.

The driver refused further involvement with the vehicle, which was towed at the owner’s request.

The club owner banned all four occupants from returning to the property.