Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen named Officer Eric Parks the May Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Parks has been with the department since November 2003. 
 
Chief Owen said that on May 26, 2008, Officer Parks, while on his day off, received a call from the owner of a business that is located on his beat. The business, Smokey Mountain Super Center, had been burglarized. Officer Parks had been working closely with the business owner since the business had been victimized previously.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Parks came in to conduct the preliminary investigation into the burglary. Parks was able to identify the make and model of the suspect's vehicle along with the basic suspect description after reviewing the surveillance video." 
 
Officer Parks conducted a canvas of the area where he located the vehicle in a parking lot on Merchants Road. The vehicle, which had recent body work and was taped and ready for painting, had been stolen from a nearby body shop.

With the assistance from Officer Tim Riddle and Officer Jeff Day, the suspect was identified, located, and detained for questioning. As a result of the interview the 17-year-old male juvenile suspect was cited to juvenile court on a charge of theft. The investigation into locating an adult suspect is continuing.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Parks' preliminary investigation led to the closure of three investigations. Officer Parks' commitment to work on a case on his off day, much less a holiday, shows his dedication and passion to see that his beat remains safe for all citizens."

Mayor Haslam said, "We congratulate Officer Parks on a job well done."