Blog: KPD News & Alerts

Nine Adults, One Juvenile Arrested in Fort Sanders Area

On Sunday, May 31 at 9:40 p.m., KPD officers were deployed to downtown Knoxville in response to more possible protests. Central Business District officers had already observed several large groups of people collecting in the area.

One particular group of roughly 40 individuals was located on Clinch Avenue crossing Henley Street. That group began shooting fireworks and lighting smoke bombs on the Clinch Avenue bridge. As the group continued north on 11th Street and turned onto Bridge Avenue, they began to vandalize vehicles, mostly breaking out windows, knocking off mirrors and spray-painting others. One victim of the vandalism advised officers that he was assaulted when he confronted the group. The victim, a 28-year-old male, refused medical attention. In total, at least 15 cars were vandalized as the group continued through the Fort Sanders area.

Officers issued a dispersal order via the long-range acoustic device. At around 10:15 p.m., officers approached the group in a parking lot on the southeast corner of 16th and Highland Avenue. Using only verbal commands, officers were able to detain nine adults and one juvenile. The nine adults, ranging from age 18 to 34, were charged with disorderly conduct, while the juvenile male was cited for disorderly conduct. The remainder of the group fled eastbound on Highland.

Several other groups remained in the downtown area as officers continued to monitor their actions. At some point, a white Toyota Camry occupied by four males wearing hockey masks drove by officers shouting obscenities. A license plate check revealed that vehicle was stolen. A description of the vehicle was broadcast to patrol units. At around 11:45 p.m., the vehicle was spotted on Union near Market and a stop was initiated. The driver, a 17-year-old male, was arrested without incident and charged with auto theft, simple possession and unlawful drug paraphernalia.

Another group of about 12 individuals was located in the Knoxville Museum of Art parking lot. They left the area in vehicles and lit a large multi-charge firework box at World’s Fair Park on the railroad tracks. As the group continued west on Clinch, officers continued to hear fireworks and observe smoke, but were unable to locate the vehicles. A subject stopped officers on Clinch at James Agee and stated that the group had shot fireworks at him while he was sitting on his porch. Officers continued to circulate the area, but were unable to locate them.

No additional acts of vandalism or violence were initially noted, but officers are continuing to assess any additional damage.

Posted by serland On 01 June, 2020 at 8:45 AM