Four juveniles were arrested after Knoxville Police Department Officers responded to a crash with injuries and fireworks were shot at both Officers and bystanders on Tuesday night.
At around 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, KPD Officers responded to a crash with injuries in the area of Texas Avenue and Pascal Drive. Witnesses reported that a black Hyundai was being struck by both paintballs and fireworks, which caused the Hyundai to crash into a white F-150. Both cars were disabled in the crash.
As Officers arrived on scene, numerous individuals starting throwing mortar-style fireworks at Officers and their vehicles. Additional Officers responded to assist in securing the scene.
Due to the fireworks that were being thrown, Officers were forced to escort the responding wreckers out of the area in order for the cars disabled in the crash to be safely secured for transport. Additionally, Officers transported two adults, one teenager and three young children involved in the crash out of the area to AMR for medical evaluation.
Responding officers ultimately arrested four juvenile males, ranging from age 14-16. Two were charged with aggravated assault and evading arrest, while two others were charged with disorderly conduct and evading arrest.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable, and it puts our Officers and residents at risk of legitimate physical and mental harm,” said Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “I am relieved that nobody was seriously injured and thankful that none of our Officers were injured. I also appreciate how our Officers handled what was an incredibly chaotic and stressful situation.”
Later in the night, after the crash scene was cleared, KPD Officers responded to the Lonsdale area again due to reports that fireworks were still being shot at cars and people.
Officers conducting a walking patrol arrested 21-year-old Corey Armstrong near the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue for unlawful possession of a weapon. When Officers first encountered Armstrong, he was in possession of a mortar, mortar tube and loaded firearm.
The Knoxville Police Department appreciates the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Knox County Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance to help address continued firework-related issues in the area.