Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Scott Coffey the March Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Coffey has been with the department since November 1994.

Chief Owen said that on March 19, 2008, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Officer Coffey was on patrol when he saw a 1988 Ford F-150 pickup truck that matched the description of the suspect wanted in connection to a murder that had occurred at 804 Columbia Avenue. The victim, 24 year old Carrie Daugherty, had been brutally murdered outside her home at approximately 2:00 a.m. that morning.

Officer Coffey located the suspect on Woodland Avenue where he followed the vehicle until another officer could join him. At that point, Officer Coffey initiated his emergency lights and siren and attempted to stop the suspect's vehicle on Broadway

Chief Owen said, "The suspect disregarded the red light at Woodland Avenue and continued south on Broadway. The suspect, Micah Johnson (DOB 03-06-87), stopped his truck abruptly on the Henley Street Bridge, got out of his truck and ran to the railing of the bridge and looked over the edge as if he was contemplating to jump. It was at that time that Investigator Todd Childress was able to take the suspect to the ground, which enabled Officer Coffey to handcuff Johnson without incident."

Johnson was charged with one count of First Degree Murder.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Coffey relied upon his officer instinct to go back to the area where the crime occurred as he diligently and actively searched for the suspect. His hard work paid off in the apprehension of this dangerous individual."

Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Coffey is commended for his observation and quick action that resulted in the arrest of the suspect. We thank him for a job well done."

Officer Coffey will receive a signed certificate from the mayor and chief.

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