Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Sandy Reynolds and Officer Sharon Terrell the Officers of the Month for January. Officer Reynolds has been with the department since November 1986 while Officer Terrell has been with KPD since January 1996.

Chief Owen said that on January 2, 2007 at approximately 3:05 p.m., both officers responded to a bank robbery of the Regions Bank located at 8517 Kingston Pike. According to the victims, a white male entered the bank and told the teller "They have my daughter and will kill her." The male then said they would blow him up with the bomb that is wrapped around his waist if he did not rob them. The teller complied with the demand and the suspect quickly left the bank.

Officers Reynolds and Terrell obtained a photo of the suspect from the bank security system and immediately began canvassing the area. The officers drove to a motel on Gallaher View Road where they met with the manager of the facility. The manger indicated the picture of the suspect matched the description of a frequent patron of the motel.

Chief Owen said, "While the officers were talking with the manager, the suspect's wife approached the manager complaining that she had not seen her husband in several days and that she needed money. She then left the motel and walked to a nearby restaurant. Officer Terrell shadowed the female while Officer Reynolds kept watch on the possible suspect's room."

The officers advised KPD investigators along with agents with the FBI who then responded to the restaurant. During an interview with the female, she identified the male in the bank photo as that of her husband, Weaver Eugene McNabb of Maynardville, TN. After consenting to a search of her motel room, the officers discovered clothing consistent with the clothing worn by the robbery suspect. In addition, items were discovered that appeared to be used as the simulated bomb by the suspect.

Officers Reynolds and Terrell continued to interview other motel patrons when they learned that the suspect had paid one of them $10.00 to drive him to another motel on Kingston Pike. The officers along with KPD Investigators and agents with the FBI immediately responded to the second motel where they located the suspect in a room. McNabb was taken into custody without incident. Chief Owen said, "Officer Reynolds and Officer Terrell utilized their knowledge of their beat to begin searching for clues as to the identity and whereabouts of the suspect. Their leads followed by good instinct and information gathering made the quick arrest possible. They represented themselves in a manner that brings the highest credit to their work and efforts."

Mayor Haslam said, "These officers did an outstanding job in searching and locating a dangerous individual. We commend them for their dedication to this department and to the citizens we serve."

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

Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.