Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Sgt. Ray Offenbacher the April Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Sgt. Offenbacher has been with KPD since March 1995.

Chief Rausch said that on April 14, 2012, Sgt. Offenbacher was patrolling in the Old City when he responded to a report of a male running from a robbery and attempted carjacking that had just been committed in the parking lot of a business on E. Jackson Street. The female victim indicated the suspect was wearing a bright green shirt and ran in the direction of Willow Street behind a convenient store.

Chief Rausch said, "Sgt. Offenbacher observed the suspect fleeing toward the Fort Hill Building. Sgt. Offenbacher pursued the suspect who then ran into a wooded area behind the building. Sgt. Offenbacher was able to take the suspect into custody, but not before the suspect had ingested a quantity of crack cocaine and broke off a hypodermic needle in his own neck."

The suspect, Brian Keith Morgan (DOB 5-14-68), was charged with Assault, Robbery, Attempted Carjacking, and Evading Arrest. Morgan is being held on a $124,500 bond while awaiting a November trial date.

Chief Rausch said, "Sgt. Offenbacher's quick action and determination to catch the fleeing suspect resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous individual from our community."

Mayor Rogero said, "We appreciate the efforts of Sgt. Offenbacher and thank him for helping to make our community safer for all citizens."