Sheriff's Reports 7-8-24: Suspected drunken driver arrested during traffic stop

A suspected drunken driver was pulled over after deputies caught him speeding.

On July 3, Cherokee County Sheriff's Lt. Tanner Hendley was patrolling the area of State Highway 82A when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, with its flashers on. Hendley initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled over 1.2 miles after the deputy activated his emergency lights. The driver, Nathan Tyler Cochran, said he was speeding to keep his vehicle running, as it stalls if he slows down. Cochran, who had watery and bloodshot eyes, said he didn't have a driver's license before handing the deputy his proof of insurance. Cochran also gave Hendley a Cherokee Nation identification card. Hendley discovered Cochran had a warrant out of Arkansas for failure to appear for driving under the influence. He also had an invalid driver's license that expired in 2019 and an expired tag. Hendley advised Cochran that he would be arrested and asked the man to step out of the vehicle. Cochran reportedly refused to step out and asked Hendley if he was with Cherokee Nation. Hendley said he was cross-commissioned with Cherokee Nation, and told the man to exit the vehicle. Cochran allegedly said he wanted a Marshal Deputy and refused to comply. Cochran eventually complied after the deputy unholstered his Taser. Hendley suspected that Cochran was under the influence of alcohol due to him being unsteady on his feet and having a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Cochran initially denied consuming alcohol but then admitted he did after Hendley said he could smell the odor of it. Cochran was arrested and booked on anticipated charges of driving under the influence, operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license, failure to pay taxes due to state, and transporting an open container of alcohol. He was also given a warning for speeding, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana.

Deputy Nick Chute responded to Highway 100 July 1 due to reports of shots fired. The caller said a man, who lives 100 yards away from their residence, was shooting a .22 caliber rifle in their direction. Chute went to make contact with the man when Kevin Wayne Pierce appeared with a what looked like a rifle pointed in the deputy's direction. Chute told the man to drop the weapon and Pierce complied. Pierce was detained and admitted to consuming alcohol. Pierce was arrested and booked for possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

On July 4, Deputy Dylan Carder was dispatched to reports of a disturbance between neighbors on Raylyn Drive. Sgt. Aaron Johnson was called to the same address earlier that morning. Carder said Johnson gave Carmen Campos an opportunity to "calm down and enjoy the holiday." Carder met with the neighbor, who showed the deputy trash and a shirt Campos allegedly threw in his yard. The man accused Campos of yelling vulgar comments to him and his wife after their dog barked at her while she was mowing her yard. He said Campos alleged that she had a firearm and gave the impression she was holding one or reaching for one behind her back. Carder said Campos violated a protective order and she was arrested.