Fentress County Man Charged After Rash Of Trailer Thefts, Tells Police He Ate Rat Poison To Avoid Jail

A rash of trailer thefts in Fentress County over the last couple weeks has landed a Fentress County native in jail. According to the Fentress County County Sheriff’s Department, on April 23, 2022 they received a call about the theft of an 18-foot car trailer from McGee Street in Jamestown.  The next day another 18-foot car trailer was reported stolen from a residence on Falling Leaf Road.  And on May 25, the Fentress County Sheriff’s Department received a call that a  20-foot black heavy duty equipment trailer was missing from a residence on Oak Hill Drive.  Investigators identified the suspect as Bryan Cooper after Mr. Cooper allegedly tried to sell one of the stolen trailers.   At least two of the stolen trailer had been sold and have since been recovered.  Deputies with the Fentress County Sheriff’s Department found Mr. Cooper hiding in a camper at a Gatewood Ford residence. As Mr. Cooper was being taken into custody he advised deputies he had eaten rat poison in attempts to avoid being arrested.  Mr. Cooper was then transported to Cookeville Hospital where he was admitted for observation. On Monday, Sheriff Michael Reagon received information that Mr. Bryan Cooper was going to be released from the hospital and sent a Deputy to take him into custody.  Mr. Cooper was transported to the Fentress County jail where he faces charges of: Theft of Property over 2500.00 (3) counts;Vandalism under 1000.00 (3) counts;And Criminal Trespassing (3) counts. Bond in two of the three cases is currently set at $35,000 Dollars