Masked Men Arrested

Police were called to the Waffle House on Cosby Hwy in Newport Wednesday morning at 2:25 am. Two masked men had walked into the restaurant with a gun. 33 year old Christopher Haney and 38 year old Jeffrey St. John were the two men, and both appeared to be intoxicated when they entered. Scott asked Haney if he was ready and Haney lifted up his shirt to reveal a .22 caliber handgun. An employee was able to get to the restroom and call 911 thinking the restaurant was about to be robbed. The robbery never occurred and both men were found later at the nearby Kenjo Market.

Christopher Haney was a convicted felon for robbery, aggravated burglary, theft over $1,000, and aggravated assault out of Cocke County. He was charged with being a felon in possession of a handgun and public intoxication.

Jeffrey St. John was wanted in Jefferson County. He was found at the jail to be in possession of over 22 grams of meth and $810 in cash. He is now charged with introduction into a penal facility along with public intoxication.