July Officer of the Month

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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July Officer of the Month

Posted: 08/19/2005
Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer John Holmes as the . Holmes has been with the department since October 2001.

Chief Owen said that on July 12, 2005, Officer Holmes was monitoring traffic entering and leaving the Ridgebrook Apartments as part of his problem solving kit (PSK). Holmes was working to develop solutions to a recent increase in car burglary crimes in the area.

At approximately 2:20 a.m., Officer Holmes watched a vehicle enter the apartment complex. The vehicle proceeded to the top of a hill where it parked for a short period of time. When the vehicle left the apartment complex, Officer Holmes followed and conducted a traffic stop on Western Avenue.

Officer Holmes recognized one of the passengers and asked him to exit the vehicle. A flashlight and a faceplate from a car stereo were noticed sticking out of the subject's pockets. Several car stereo wires were also observed on the dashboard of the car. After separating the three individuals, Officer Holmes questioned the female driver. During an interview she admitted to driving the two males around the area while they burglarized vehicles. Consent to search the vehicle was also granted, which resulted in the recovery of two stolen car stereos as well as other stereo equipment and personal items. The owners of the stolen property were located and their property returned.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Holmes was actively conducting enforcement efforts in an area that is the target of the problem solving kit when he apprehended these suspects and solved unreported crimes that had just occurred. His knowledge of the area along with his investigative skills was crucial in the apprehension of these individuals."

Virgil Crawford, DOB 08/08/71, and James Chadwick, DOB 05/04/73, were both charged with Felony Theft, Attempted Burglary, Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Holmes is to be commended for his alertness and dedication in this investigation. His actions prevented the victimization of other citizens."

Officer Holmes will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a gift certificate from Ruby Tuesday Restaurant.