Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Shawn Peoples and Officer Brian Kauffman the . Officer Peoples has been with the department since October 2001. Officer Kauffman has been an officer for KPD since March 2005.

Chief Owen said that on November 14, 2005 at approximately 11:38 a.m., the two officers responded to an armed robbery call at the Payday Express located at 5109 Clinton Highway. When the two officers arrived on the scene, they immediately started gathering suspect information from the victims and witnesses to the robbery. The two male suspects, one armed with a pistol, had entered the business wearing all black clothing, ski masks, and gloves. The suspects made the two workers get on the floor while money was taken from the cash drawers. According to the witnesses, when the two male suspects ran from the business, they entered a waiting car that was being driven by a white female. The witness was able to provide a description of the vehicle and a possible tag number. Armed with that information, the two officers immediately started canvassing their beat in search of the suspect's vehicle.

In just minutes the two officers discovered the possible vehicle parked in a motel parking lot on Merchants Center Blvd. Utilizing relationships that had been established with the motel's staff, the officers were able to determine which room the suspects were staying in. The officers were able to identify the female from the room and detained one male who was hiding in the bathroom. When questioned, the female provided additional information about the second suspect and the room where he was staying. That suspect was also detained and questioned. The officers searched the suspect's vehicle where they recovered a pellet pistol that resembled a .357 revolver, cotton gloves, ski masks, and black shirts.

The two male suspects were identified as: Jackie Ellis (DOB 022671), and Clifton Johnson (DOB 101567). Both male suspects were arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Robbery.
Chief Owen said, "The officers have strived to maintain a detailed knowledge of areas on their beat that are prone to criminal activity. They have also established relationships with persons on their beat. This incident is only one example where their knowledge and relationships have proven fruitful to solve a very serious crime."

Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Peoples and Officer Kauffman are commended for their quick and diligent effort that resulted in the capture of these robbery suspects."

Both officers will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Bayou Bay Seafood House.