Staff report

A suspect in a 2005 burglary was arrested earlier this week nearly one year from date of the crime.

According to police officials, Christopher Lee Smith, 19, of Middlesboro, was long considered the primary suspect in a break-in on Ellenwood Road last summer.

“He had been making himself scarce,” said Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.

On April 17, Officer Barry Cowan made contact with Smith.

After making a statement about the event, Smith was arrested, said Sharpe.

Smith was charged with second-degree burglary. He posted a $1,0000 bond and was released on his own recognizance.

The attempt by a suspect to eat marijuana when confronted by officers ended with him being charged with tampering with physical evidence, along with other drug-related charges being filed against him.

According to Sharpe, Troy David Young, 22, of Cumberland Gap, Tenn., was arrested and charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

When officers confronted Young, said Sharpe, he allegedly tried to eat a portion of marijuana that he held in his hand.

Officers prevented him from destroying the evidence, which was sent to the state crime lab.

Other recent arrests include:

Marie Ellen Miller, 22, of Miracle, was arrested by Bell County Sheriff's deputies on a bench warrant.

Lisa Venable, 42, of Pineville, was arrested by Kentucky State Police troopers and charged on two outstanding warrants.

Derek Thompson, 31, of Pineville, was arrested by Pineville City Police officers and charged with non-payment of fines.

Kenneth Saylor, 36, of Coldiron, was arrested by Bell County Sheriff's deputies and charged with receiving stolen property (over $100).

Vicky Patterson, 32, of Arjay, was arrested by Bell County Sheriff's deputies and charged with theft by unlawful taking (shoplifting) and an outstanding warrant. She posted a $2,500 bond an was released.