Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen named Knoxville Police Officer Nelson Hamilton the October Officer of the Month. Officer Hamilton has been with the department since December 2002. 
 
Chief Owen said that on October 26, 2009, at 7:40 p.m., Officer Hamilton responded to an attempted armed robbery to a person call at Kroger's located on Asheville Highway. The female victim was getting into her vehicle when the suspect prevented her from closing the car door. The victim indicated the suspect stuck a gun in her side and demanded money. The victim told the suspect she didn't have any money, but she had food in the back of the vehicle with her 2 year-old son. When the suspect realized there was a child in the car he fled on foot.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Hamilton located an individual that matched the description of the suspect. The individual, who had a black BB gun is his pocket, was positively identified as the suspect." 
 
The suspect, Joseph Griffin (DOB 4-15-91), was arrested and charged with Attempted Armed Robbery.

At approximately 11:42 p.m. on the same evening, Officer Hamilton was heading home after completing his shift when he observed a vehicle being burglarized while parked in a parking lot of a market. When Officer Hamilton approached the parking lot the four suspects ran behind the store. Officer Hamilton had KPD dispatch notify the Knox County Sheriff's Office since the market was located in Knox County. After a foot pursuit two of the four suspects were apprehended. With the assistance from deputies, the two remaining suspects were located and taken into custody. All four suspects were charged with Burglary of a Vehicle and Evading Arrest.

Chief Owen said, "Due to the quick response of Officer Hamilton and his astute observation and investigative skills, five felony suspects were removed from the streets thus making the community a safer place." 
 
Mayor Haslam said, "We commend Officer Hamilton for his hard work and thank him for making a difference in our neighborhoods."
 
Burglary Suspects:
Justin Uxckert, DOB 7-27-91
Joseph Hubbs, DOB 9-30-91
Matthew Wattenburger, DOB 10-16-91
17 year-old male

Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.