Truck Stops · Tennessee · November 11, 2026

Crossville Police Say Trucker Pointed a Gun Toward Another Trucker Over a Rig Left at a Pilot Fuel Island

By Big Rig Daily Staff

A dispute over a semi left at the fuel pumps ended with a trucker under arrest at a Crossville, Tennessee truck stop on Nov. 6, according to a Crossville Police Department report summarized by 3B Media News. The charge is an allegation, and he has not been convicted.

What police say happened

Officers responded to a gas station on Genesis Road at about 6:19 p.m. on Nov. 6, the report says. Cumberland County Sheriff's Office deputies were already on scene ordering trucker David Barnes out of his truck after reports of an altercation involving a gun.

Police say the dispute began when Barnes took issue with another truck driver who had left his truck parked at the fuel pumps for an extended time while he ate at a nearby restaurant. Barnes began recording the other trucker with his phone, and the two exchanged words when the other trucker returned to his vehicle.

Store surveillance footage later backed up the other trucker's account, police say. The report says the video shows Barnes taking a handgun from the driver's side of his truck, racking the slide and pointing it in the direction of the other trucker and his vehicle as he walked past.

What Barnes told officers

Barnes first denied brandishing the weapon, telling the officer he had only placed it on his seat, according to the report. He later said he felt fearful because of his age and medical conditions. Police say he could not give specific examples of threatening behavior by the other trucker.

The other trucker told police he was terrified and feared for his life, and that he avoided eye contact on purpose to keep the situation from escalating.

Arrest and ban

Officers arrested Barnes on an aggravated assault charge and took him to the Cumberland County Justice Center, the report says. Bond was listed at $25,000. CDLLife reports that the location is a Pilot, and the store manager asked that Barnes be permanently banned from the property.

Why it matters to truckers

A rig parked at the pumps while its driver eats is a familiar frustration at busy truck stops. For help finding a place to park, see Big Rig Daily's guide to truck parking tips and apps. In this case, police say the other trucker kept his eyes down and let the moment pass, and store video backed up his account. For more on the major chains, see Big Rig Daily's guide to the best truck stop chains.

Quick facts

• Where: Pilot on Genesis Road, Crossville, Tennessee.
• When: About 6:19 p.m., Nov. 6, 2026.
• Charge: Aggravated assault, with bond listed at $25,000.
• Evidence cited by police: store surveillance video.
• Outcome at the store: the manager asked that Barnes be banned.

FAQ

Has the trucker been convicted?

No. He has been charged with aggravated assault, which is an allegation.

What started the dispute?

Police say Barnes objected to another truck driver leaving his truck at the fuel pumps while eating at a nearby restaurant.

Did anyone get hurt?

The reports reviewed do not describe any injuries.

A question for readers

Truckers, what should truck stops do about rigs left sitting at the fuel island during a meal?

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