Hamblen County has seen a surge in crime-fighting cooperation after a shooting involving a toddler led to multiple charges for two individuals. According to a WVLT report, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Gabriel Brown, 21, and Brianna Sloan, 26, now face charges including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment following a shooting on Noes Chapel Road. The Sheriff's Office detailed that a vehicle was fired upon by the suspects, containing a man, a woman, and a one-year-old child, but no injuries were sustained.
After the family's car was allegedly shot at, the driver of the vehicle attempted to follow the suspects while also calling 911, as stated by WATE. A chase ensued, executed by Jefferson County deputies, which ended with Brown and Sloan's vehicle crashing. They were taken to Jefferson Memorial Hospital for evaluation. As the parents shielded their child, making a narrow escape from danger, Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins commended the "quick response and the actions of the deputies and investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office" for their collaboration in apprehending the suspects.
The investigation led to the discovery of a Polymer 80 9mm handgun with no serial number and ski masks near the crash site, further implicating the two individuals in the alleged crime. "This is just another example of how law enforcement agencies working together can get dangerous individuals and illegal firearms off the streets," Sheriff Mullins said in comments obtained from WBIR. In addition to drug charges, Brown also faces a charge of felony possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
