A case of mistaken identity

A Knox County man, originally charged with robbery and other offenses for allegedly attempting to steal items from the Corbin Kmart store, has been exonerated and his brother is now the main suspect in the case.

According to Corbin Police, David Franklin Vanderpool, 23, now faces all the criminal charges his brother, Dustin Lloyd Vanderpool, was facing just a day ago.

"Corbin Police report that after receiving a call from a member of the Vanderpool family, and a short investigation by this officer, the suspect arrested on April 3, 2010 for shoplifting, criminal mischief, fleeing or evading and robbery 2nd was not Dustin Lloyd Vanderpool, but was in fact his brother David Franklin Vanderpool," stated a news release, issued by Corbin Police Captain Rob Jones.

David Vanderpool has additionally been charged with giving officers a false name and for identity theft involving his brother.

"All charges pending against Dustin Lloyd Vanderpool will be dismissed by Corbin Police," the release goes on to say.

Vanderpool was confronted by Kmart loss prevention outside the store on U.S 25E in Corbin Saturday for allegedly shoplifting items from the store, Corbin Police Capt. Rob Jones said. At that time, Vanderpool allegedly punched the loss prevention officer in the face before running from the store.

Corbin Police Officer Kirk Mays chased Vanderpool through a field behind the store and into the woods. After a chase lasting about 1 mile, Mays caught Vanderpool and took him into custody.

Vanderpool was charged with second-degree robbery, theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting, third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree fleeing or evading police.

Vanderpool added charges of menacing, resisting arrest and third-degree assault on a police/probation officer while at the Corbin Police Department where he was awaiting transport to the Knox County Detention Center.

According to police, Vanderpool continued kicking the door of the holding cell after being told repeatedly to quit.

When Mays went to the cell and told Vanderpool to sit down, he said Vanderpool told him to, "sit me down," and pulled back his fist as if he were going to swing on Mays.

"This officer Tased (Vanderpool) to gain control," Mays said in the arrest report.

Vanderpool was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center on a $20,000 cash bond.

At his arraignment Monday in Knox District Court, Vanderpool pleaded not guilty to the charges. Judge John Paul Chappell amended Vanderpool’s bond to $20,000 fully-secured and ordered him to return to court April 13 for a preliminary hearing to determine if the case should be presented to a Knox County Grand Jury.