On Friday, July 24 at approximately 3:15 a.m., Knoxville Police Department officers observed a person inside of an Oldsmobile Cutlass in the parking lot of Transmission Corporation of America located in the 5300 block of Clinton Highway. As officers attempted to make contact with the subject, he fled on foot as officers gave chase. The subject, later identified as Timothy Renda (DOB: 9/9/86) of Powell, Tennessee, was located by officers in the wood line behind 5420 Clinton Highway.
In the subsequent search following the arrest, Renda was found in possession of tools consistent in the use of burglaries, while he had also placed a tool inside the key ignition and turned the vehicle on with the intent to steal the vehicle. Renda was subsequently charged with evading arrest, possession of burglary tools and attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
In follow-up investigation at the scene, Renda was observed walking through the parking lot towards the Oldsmobile Cutlass. It is unknown at this time how many additional vehicles were burglarized prior to the arrival of officers and additional charges could be added as the investigation proceeds.