Anonymous Tip Leads To Foot Chase In Store Parking Lot, Felony Drug Arrest

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Local law enforcement is crediting an anonymous tip for information that led to two felony arrests yesterday after a foot pursuit in the Family Dollar parking lot in Brownsville.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said they received a call yesterday from someone who reported they heard two individuals discussing selling drugs and gave a description of a their vehicle. The Sheriff's Office said they found a 2005 silver Cadillac that matched the caller's description at Family Dollar.

According to the Sheriff, officers attempted to make contact with the driver and passenger of the vehicle, who had reportedly exited the vehicle and were headed toward the store's entrance. Deputies said when they attempted to speak with the two individuals, one immediately fled on foot behind the store.

The Sheriff's Office said that after a brief foot chase, one suspect was found hiding in a shed on private property behind the Cee Bee Food Store. A Sheriff's Deputy reported that during the chase, the suspect, who was identified as Caleb Dunn, (24) of Roundhill, dropped several items including a needle, what appeared to be a pipe, and a plastic bag. Dunn was placed under arrest and two of the dropped items were recovered, according to the Sheriff, including a needle and what is suspected to be a bag of meth.

*The Sheriff's Office also credited Brownsville Police for helping in the pursuit and the apprehension of the suspect. He said the BPD also conducted surveillance on the suspect's car before contact was made.

A search of the area where the suspect was found resulted in the discovery of a crumpled $20 bill that also contained suspected meth inside, according to officials.

The other individual, Ronald Dunn, Jr., (52) of Roundhill,  was detained by Sheriff Shane Doyle when the pursuit began, according to the Sheriff's Office. A search of the vehicle was also conducted where law enforcement discovered more needles and a .22 rifle. The sheriff's office said both individuals were convicted felons from previous cases.

The Sheriff's Office said that $6,293 in cash, multiple needles, five grams of methamphetamine, a rifle, and cell phones were seized in the case, which is still under investigation. Caleb Dunn's vehicle was also seized.

Caleb C. Dunn, (24) of Roundhill

Ronald Dunn Jr., (52) of Roundhill

Caleb Dunn was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of controlled substance-first degree-first offense (meth)
• Fleeing or evading police-first degree (on foot)
• Possession of firearm by convicted felon
• Wanton endangerment-first degree-police officer
• Operating vehicle with expired operator's license
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Trafficking in controlled substance-first degree-first offense-2 grams or more of meth

Ronald Dunn, Jr., was charged with Possession of firearm by convicted felon. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle said the arrest would not have likely happened if not for the anonymous caller.

"We had a cautious citizen who overheard a conversation that raised some red flags and called us," he said. "As a result, we were able to get more drugs off our streets."

Also assisting was the Brownsville Police Department. Both men were transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

*This article was updated on 3/13/18 after an update from the Sheriff. "I apologize for failing to mention the role that the Brownsville Police played in this case," he said. "This case wouldn't have happened without them."