From WRIL The Big One -
As we previously reported, there was a vehicle vs. pedestrian hit-and-run incident on Saturday Night, March 1, 2025, before 7:30 pm. The tragic incident took place on Cumberland Avenue in the vicinity of Life Church. Officer Cody Marcum states in his citation that once he was on the scene, there was an off-duty Middlesboro Fire/EMS performing CPR on 65-Joe Randall Bullins.
At the time, eyewitnesses stated the vehicle involved was a dark-colored Ford truck that fled the scene after striking Bullins. This was confirmed after viewing the video surveillance submitted to the police department. The truck was seen in the video striking the man, backing up, stopping, and then driving off.
Mr. Bullins was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, Officer Marcum went to a business in the area and reviewed video which showed a black Ford Ranger matching the description of the eyewitnesses and prior video.
A tip was called into Middlesboro Dispatch, with the caller stating the suspected truck was in the Polly Hollow community being worked on. Officers responded to the address, finding the truck in question matching the videos. Officers spoke with an individual who stated he was a resident of the home and that the vehicle belonged to Morris Stephen Metcalf. The individual was then asked for consent, and permission was given to search the home. The truck was then seized.
The individual went on to state that Metcalf had picked him up that same night, and he (Metcalf) admitted he had been driving on Cumberland Avenue at that time, turned his head for a moment to speak to a female passenger, and did not see Bullins in front of him.
Metcalf stated to the individual, "I hit Joe Bullins". He then said Metcalf said he drove his truck back to the location where the police found it, and he left the scene because he had outstanding warrants.
At approximately 12 pm Monday the 3rd, Metcalf turned himself into the Middlesboro Police and admitted he was responsible for the incident.
Morris Stephen Metcalf was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with Manslaughter - 2nd degree, Leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid w-death of serious physical injury, Tampering with physical evidence, Driving without a license/neglect in accident, No operator's license, Operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license. He was also served warrants for failure to appear, non-payment of court costs, and a probation violation.