COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Three children were found in the back of a U-Haul box truck where authorities also discovered meth, marijuana, and cocaine on I-40 in Cocke County on Wednesday, July 10.
Now, three adults from North Carolina face a litany of charges which include child endangerment and possession of drugs.
A report released by the Tennesse Highway Patrol said a bystander notified authorities about several small children being locked in the back of a white U-haul truck at a Welcome Center on I-40.
Officials eventually located and stopped the truck near the 431-mile marker and asked the driver if there was anyone in the back. Eric Larue, 36, admitted there was.
Troopers opened the back of the truck and found three small children--- ages eight, five, and one. The temperature outside was 92 degrees. The Department of Children's Services (DCS) was notified to take the children and open an investigation.
Authorities also seized crystal meth, cocaine and drug paraphernalia inside the front cab of the vehicle.
Three adults were arrested. Lakista Wiliams, Willie Green Jr., and Eric Larue face child endangerment and drug possession charges, according to the THP report. Larue also faces additional charges of failing to maintain lane of travel.
THP said they are all from Hendersonville, North Carolina.