Man leads police on high speed chase; drugs and money found after arrest

Jimmy Melton of Gray led police on a high-speed chase on Cumberland Gap Parkway that quickly ended when Melton ended up in a ditch on Norvell Road.

Officers located two bottles of pills containing oxycontin and alprazolam; along with a white powdery substance that Melton later admitted to officers was crystal meth.

Sgt. Jason Moore attempted to stop the motorcycle that was traveling 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit on US 25 E, operated by Melton.

Melton attempted to flee at a high rate of speed and to throw the narcotics away.

Melton is listed as a fugitive from the State of Florida for possession of oxycodone, alprazolam and violating conditions of his parole. The State of Florida reported that they would extradite. 

Melton was charged with speeding, reckless driving, first degree fleeing or evading police, operating on a suspended operators license, three counts of trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree, third degree trafficking in controlled substance, first degree possession of controlled substances, and three counts of possession in the third degree. Melton’s motorcycle and several thousand dollars were seized; Sgt. Moore is continuing the investigation. Melton was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.