Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen named Knoxville Police Department Officers Ron Linkins and Brandon Glover the August Officers of the Month. Officer Linkins has been with KPD since March 1995. Officer Glover has been with the department since October 2004.

Chief Owen said that since March of this year the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff's Office have investigated multiple hair and nail salon burglaries. During the burglaries the suspect would usually take LCD tv's, laptop computers, and small amounts of cash. Working closely with investigators from the Knox County Sheriff's Office, a possible suspect was identified.

Chief Owen said, "The suspect was under surveillance for several nights before he made his next burglary attempt. On August 24, investigators were able to follow him to his next target which was a hair salon on Callahan Drive."

The suspect was observed in the parking lot where he made entry into the business. As the suspect exited the front door while carrying stolen property, he spotted the officers and attempted to flee through the back door. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Chief Owen said, "During questioning, the suspect agreed to cooperate and show investigators which businesses he had burglarized. The suspect confessed to committing a total of 85 burglaries, 46 in Knoxville, 34 in Knox County, and 5 in Blount County."

Mayor Haslam said, "We appreciate the dedication and commitment by both investigators in solving this series of crimes. Their efforts have made a positive impact in the safety of our community."

Suspect:
Charles Christopher Tallent
DOB: 12-24-73
Knoxville address