Investigation of Triple Fatal Hit and Run Earns Honors for Three Officers

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Investigation of Triple Fatal Hit and Run Earns Honors for Three Officers

Posted: 08/13/2012
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Sgt. Tracy Hunter, Officer Greg Womac, and Officer Sandra Reynolds the May Officers of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Sgt. Hunter has been with KPD since December 1999. Officer Womac has been with the department since December 1998 while Officer Reynolds has been an officer since November 1986.

Chief Rausch said that on May 30, 2012, Sgt. Hunter and Officer Womac were called out to reconstruct a fatal hit & run crash on Washington Pike that claimed the lives of two pedestrians and an unborn infant child. Both officers began the difficult task of reconstructing the crash scene. After speaking to the only known witness at the time and analyzing evidence recovered from the scene, they were able to develop a description of the suspect's vehicle. That information was released to the public, which generated numerous calls and tips to the department.

Officer Reynolds worked through all the tips received and relayed all pertinent leads to Sgt. Hunter and Officer Womac. Ultimately, Sgt. Hunter interviewed a witness who was able to provide information that led to the recovery of the vehicle and the possible identification of the suspected driver.

The officers continued to conduct interviews and reconstruct the crash. As a result, the identity of the suspected driver was confirmed. Officer Womac worked closely with the Knox County District Attorney General's office to secure search warrants. Once sufficient evidence had been gathered the case was presented to a Grand Jury, which returned true bills on multiple felony charges. An hour after the indictment was returned, the suspect was taken into custody.

Chief Rausch said, "Due to the diligent efforts and teamwork of Sgt. Hunter, Officer Woamc, and Officer Reynolds, a hit & run fatality that killed three people was investigated, solved, and the suspect arrested in just a matter of a few days." "Incidents of this nature are typically very difficult to solve and can become cold cases very quickly. This did not become a cold case due to the excellent efforts of these officers," said Chief Rausch.

Mayor Rogero said, "This was not only a tragic event for the family members of the victims, but to all citizens of Knoxville. We appreciate the dedication and teamwork that led to the arrest of the suspect."