Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Knoxville Police Department Officer Christopher Hutton the October Officer of the Month for the department. Officer Hutton has been with KPD since July 2011.

Chief Rausch said the department received complaints about suspected drug sales occurring in a parking lot in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard. The citizens indicated they were scared of being hurt or killed due to the illegal activity. East district E-Squad officers began conducting surveillance and information gathering in the area. On October 20, Officer Hutton developed an operation plan that would allow for the entire E-Squad to conduct a simultaneous walk-through of the parking lot.

Chief Rausch said, "During the walk-through Officer Hutton observed a male who was obviously nervous of the officers' presence. The male was wearing a backpack and was standing near a vehicle. When Officer Hutton approached the male he could smell an extremely strong odor of marijuana coming from the backpack."

Upon search of the backpack officers discovered more than $34,000 in U.S. currency, a large clear bag containing 218 grams of marijuana, and a box of plastic baggies. Several additional boxes of plastic baggies were located in the suspect's 2003 Cadillac Deville.

Chief Rausch said, "Officer Hutton's motivation and ability to remain focused on the E-Squad's goal resulted in the arrest and seizure of the suspect's drug trade assets. As officers were completing their paperwork for the arrest, multiple citizens thanked the officers for their work in stopping the drug trade."

Mayor Rogero said, "We congratulate Officer Hutton for his dedication and desire to improve the quality of life for the nearby residents. He has set the example for others to follow."

Suspect:

Broderick Hayes
DOB: 12-29-78
Lansing Avenue, Knoxville
Hayes' parole was violated and has since been returned to prison.