Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen named Knoxville Police Department Officer Michael Deets the Officer of the Month for June. Officer Deets has been with KPD since August 2008.
Chief Owen said that on June 5, 2010, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Officer Deets observed a vehicle parked in the fire lane near the front door of a grocery store on Chapman Highway. A check of the vehicle's tag indicated the plate had been reported stolen. Officer Deets decided to post in a position that would allow him to conduct surveillance on the vehicle in an attempt to identify any suspects.
Chief Owen said, "Two suspects eventually emerged from the store and approached the vehicle. One of the two suspects re-entered the store while the second suspect entered the vehicle and began to drive off. Officer Deets initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at which time the driver fled back into the store."
While Officer Deets was requesting assistance from nearby officers a witness indicated the suspect had hidden the keys to the vehicle in an aisle.
The officers conducted a search of the store and found the first male suspect hiding behind a locked stall in the ladies restroom. The second male suspect was located outside the business moments later.
Chief Owen said, "Both suspects had numerous warrants on file for their arrest. In addition, the vehicle contained drug items as well as bolt cutters, sledge hammers, and gloves. These suspects were recently placed on a BOLO bulletin by investigators for the theft of a trailer loaded with equipment that was taken from a department store parking lot on Clinton Highway."
Mayor Haslam said, "We appreciate the outstanding performance of Officer Deets in removing these two wanted suspects from our community. It is a job well done."
Suspect 1:
William Lunsford
DOB: 10-19-70
Knoxville address
Charges: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft, Simple Possession
Suspect 2:
Scott Welch
DOB: 7-13-72
Knoxville address
Charges: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Simple Possession