Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today honored Investigator Richard Giammarino and Cadet Zach Wilson for their quick action in the arrest of a burglary suspect. Investigator Giammarino has been with the department since November 1986. Zach Wilson has been a Cadet since October 2005.
Chief Owen said that on June 30, 2006 at approximately 8:50 a.m., several officers and civilian employees had gathered at the department's training academy to participate in the quarterly physical fitness exam. After completing the grueling exam of push-ups, sit-ups, sit and reach, 1.5 mile run, and the 300-meter sprint, the group was walking back to their cruisers in the parking lot when Investigator Giammarino noticed a disturbance at a residence adjacent to the parking lot. Investigator Giammarino moved in to investigate while Cadet Wilson followed.
Chief Owen said, "Investigator Giammarino confronted a suspect who was attempting to climb a ladder to an upstairs bedroom. After identifying himself as an officer, the suspect fled on foot."
"Investigator Giammarino and Cadet Wilson gave chase and fortunately, Cadet Wilson still had the energy to catch and detain the suspect until the officers could reach him," said Chief Owen.
The suspect was identified as Terry Lewis Vonner (DOB 021467). Vonner has a lengthy criminal history of aggravated burglary, burglary and theft charges. Vonner was detained and charged with fleeing.
Chief Owen said, "Investigator Giammarino is recognized for his dogged determination to act on his instinct when he was not on duty and had just completed an exhausting physical fitness exam. Cadet Wilson is recognized for his energy and fearless action of chasing and capturing the suspect. Their proactive actions prevented the suspect from adding another victim to his list of prey."
Mayor Haslam said, "Investigator Giammarino and Cadet Wilson are commended for their actions in stopping this suspect from victimizing another citizen. We congratulate them on a job well done."
Investigator Giammarino and Cadet Wilson will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Bayou Bay Seafood House.