Couple’s shoplifting citation followed by DUI charge

Published 9:25 am Wednesday, June 24, 2015

A man and woman did not learn any lessons from their first of two encounters with police Monday evening.

The Elizabethton Police Department reports that David Hussey, 27, and Kristin Honeycutt, 24, were both issued citations for shoplifting around 8 p.m. at Walmart.

A loss prevention employee told EPD Officer Justin Pearce that he observed Honeycutt conceal $111.34 worth of merchandise. The employee also told police that Hussey was with her when she attempted to leave the store with the merchandise.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Shortly after Pearce released Honeycutt and Hussey into the custody of her father, a separate incident was reported by EPD Officer Matthew Taylor.

“Both Hussey and Honeycutt were visibly impaired on prescription narcotics, however, were still able to care for themselves,” the report said.

Even after Pearce told Hussey and Honeycutt they could not leave in the vehicle they came in, Taylor reported that he saw Honeycutt’s father drive out of the parking lot without any passengers.

“I then looked for Honeycutt’s vehicle, a Chevrolet Trailblazer,” Taylor reported. “I observed Honeycutt driving the vehicle eastbound on West Elk Avenue. Honeycutt’s vehicle struck the center line on three separate occasions. Additionally, she remained stationary at a green light … and was swerving within her lane.”

Honeycutt was pulled over and asked to perform sobriety tests, which she was unable to pass, according to Taylor.

Hussey reportedly left with a family member, then showed up at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department at about 4 the next morning

The Carter County Sheriff’s Department records show that Hussey was arrested for public intoxication in the CCSO lobby.

“Hussey had slurred speech and eyes were red and dilated,” the CCSO report said. “He admitted to taking neuroton. We placed Hussey into custody for his safety and safety of others.”