Missing man arrested after being located in stolen work vehicle

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A McMinn County man who was reported missing has now been charged with vehicle theft.

David Cowan was reported missing earlier this week but was later located in Ooltewah.

He told police he needed space due to issues with his wife.

However, on Thursday night, Cowan made a concerning call to authorities, claiming mental health issues while refusing to meet with officers.

According to Sheriff Joe Guy, investigators were able to trace Cowan’s location to Knox County before the call ended.

Authorities located him the following Friday afternoon, around the same time Cowan’s employer reported the company truck he was driving as stolen.

Knox County deputies stopped the vehicle and took Cowan into custody.

A passenger in the truck, Felix Moore of Knoxville, was found in possession of crack cocaine and charged accordingly.

Cowan has been transported back to McMinn County Jail, charged with theft over $10,000 and is being held on a $15,000 bond.

His wife also obtained a domestic order of protection against him.

Sheriff Guy noted that investigators are continuing to look into additional concerns related to Cowan as the case develops.