SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – A burglary report filed early Monday morning led to the arrest of a man who is now facing multiple felony charges, according to the Shelbyville Police Department. To make a bad situation worse, the suspect was already on supervised probation after previously being convicted in Rutherford County for selling or delivering methamphetamine 4 years ago in 2021.

In Shelbyville, officers responded to a call regarding a possible burglary in progress at a mini barn near South Cannon Boulevard during the early hours of Monday, March 31. Upon arrival, police discovered a male suspect inside the shed, later identified as William Jai'Quon Kress. Officers immediately noticed Kress was armed and issued verbal commands for him to show his hands. Instead of complying, Kress allegedly fled the scene on foot, prompting a brief chase.

Police quickly apprehended 24-year-old Kress, who discarded a firearm during his attempted escape. The weapon was later recovered, along with a backpack he had been carrying. Inside the bag, officers found a lockbox, which was later searched after Shelbyville PD’s Directed Patrol K-9 Unit conducted a free-air sniff. K-9 Trigger alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics, leading to a search warrant for the lockbox.

Upon opening the lockbox, officers discovered approximately one and a half ounces of suspected methamphetamine, two digital scales, and multiple new baggies—items commonly associated with drug distribution. Kress, who is currently on state probation for the sale of Schedule II drugs, now faces additional charges, including Possession of Schedule II Drugs with Intent to Distribute, Resisting Arrest, Evading Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon in the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

Kress was taken into custody following the incident. Authorities have not yet released bond information or his court date.

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