Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officers Shane Watson and Phil Jinks as the October Officers of the Month for two incidents that resulted in the arrest of violent offenders. Officer Watson has been with the department since May 2002 and Officer Jinks since May 1999.

Chief Owen said that on October 22, 2004, Officer Watson and Officer Jinks had received information on a suspect from Blount County that was wanted in connection with a rape. The officers were advised the suspect could be frequenting a lounge on Sixth Avenue. The officers responded to the lounge, but could not locate the suspect. While at the lounge the officers were able to gather information about the suspect and what type of vehicle he may be driving.

The following day at approximately 8:30 p.m., the two officers noticed a vehicle that matched the description of the suspects parked in the parking lot of a gas station on Broadway. When the officers turned into the parking lot, the suspect vehicle pulled out and traveled south on Broadway.
After discovering the vehicle had been reported stolen, the officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect. The driver of the vehicle, James Johnson, was taken into custody without incident. Johnson was charged with the outstanding warrant for rape from Blount County in addition to theft, driving on a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A passenger in the vehicle, Mark Young, was charged with criminal impersonation and also served with an outstanding warrant for child support.

The second incident occurred on October 30, 2004 at approximately 5:30 p.m. when officers Watson and Jinks witnessed a vehicle without its headlights on pull from a motel on Magnolia and cut across two lanes of traffic to turn onto Hembree. The officers were able to catch up to the vehicle and performed a traffic stop on Milligan Street near Linden Avenue.

The driver, James Bush, had two prior drug related felony convictions as well as having a lengthy criminal history of various charges. Bush was also in possession of a loaded firearm. The officers determined that Bush had recently taken an illegal narcotic and that it was beginning to hinder his mental capacity. Bush was charged with possession of a firearm with the intent to go armed, driving on a suspended license, as well as other traffic related charges.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Watson and Jinks used their training to observe, investigate, recognize and relentlessly pursue these individuals who were involved in illegal activity. Due to their actions, they were able to take off the streets these violent individuals who posed a danger to the citizens of Knoxville."

Mayor Haslam said, "These officers took quick and decisive actions to protect the community that they serve. These officers are commended on a job well done."

Officer Watson and Jinks will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Bayou Bay Seafood House.