On Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at around 12:15 a.m., Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the 3400 block of N. Broadway in reference to a male inside of the fenced in area of Cherokee Auto Sales laying in a vehicle with the hood up. Officers arrived on scene and located the male subject inside of the fenced in area of the business taking apart the engine of a white Dodge Avenger.
The subject, identified as William Large, 27, initially stated that he worked at the business. Officers made contact with the business owner, who advised that Large did not work at the business or have permission to be on the property. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Large admitted that he was attempting to steal the starter out of the vehicle.
Officers found located several large pieces of the engine that had been thrown over the fence into the alley, as well as several small pieces of the engine in the suspect’s backpack. Officers also found the suspect in possession of narcotics believed to be methamphetamine in a subsequent search of his person.
Large was taken into custody and charged with felony theft and possession of a schedule II.