Kentucky Pair Arrested On Theft Charges; Third Man Sought

Oneida, TN (2011-11-22) Two Kentucky men were arrested following an alleged theft from a mass merchandise store in Oneida. A third man is still on the lam and eluding authorities.

Joseph Chase Jones, 22, of Stearns and Dustin Paul Gilreath, 21, of Pine Knot, were arrested on November 16, 2011 for allegedly taking several articles of clothing from the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Oneida. The duo, along with a third person, stated a series of arrest warrants filed by Oneida Police Office Michael Blaker, were alleged involved in the theft of three camouflage coats and a pair of camouflage hoodies from the store. While Gilreath was detained by store employees, Jones and the other suspect, identified as Timothy J. Meadors aka Timothy Meadows fled the scene in a white pickup truck. The pair reportedly drove from the Wal-Mart parking lot to McDonalds, where the duo split up and fled on foot. Blaker, along with Chief Darryl Laxton, quickly responded to the scene. While Blaker secured the truck, authorities began receiving reports of two men on foot in the area near the Lafollette Housing Authority housing complex. After questioning persons near the sighting, Laxton learned that one of the two suspects had likely been picked up by a motorist. After locating the vehicle, Laxton stopped the car on U.S. 27 near Advance Auto Parts. Jones, who was reportedly a passenger in the vehicle, was taken into custody.

Jones and Gilreath were charged with theft of under $500 and criminal conspiracy. Jones was also charged with evading arrest.

Meadors (Meadows) is still wanted by authorities on an outstanding warrant. He has been charged with theft of under $500, criminal conspiracy and evading arrest.