Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen named Investigator Timothy Evan Thornton the Officer of the Month for November 2010. Investigator Thornton has been with the Knoxville Police Department since June 2006.
Chief Owen said that on November 19, 2010, Investigator Thornton was following up on a lead he had received regarding a possible robbery suspect's vehicle that had been seen in the Clinton Highway area. While conducting surveillance on a Clinton Highway business Investigator Thornton and Officer Robert Rose observed the vehicle. A traffic stop conducted on the vehicle produced a double-edged knife that matched the description of the weapon used in a number of robberies in Knoxville. The male driving the car also matched the description of the suspect that had been provided by the victims.
Chief Owen said, "After conducting the initial interview with the suspect, Investigator Thornton charged the male with one count of attempted robbery."
The next day Investigator Thornton continued to investigate this suspect and his possible connection to several robberies and attempted robberies. Several items of clothing belonging to the suspect were recovered including gloves, a bandana, and a jacket.
Chief Owen said, "Investigator Thornton conducted a second interview with the suspect. As a result of the new evidence recovered and the second interview, the suspect was charged with two additional attempted robberies and four aggravated robberies."
Mayor Haslam said, "We commend Investigator Thornton for his excellent investigation and the arrest of this suspect. His actions removed a dangerous suspect from our streets."
SUSPECT:
Walter Cassidy
DOB: 11-03-77
Knoxville Address
CHARGES:
Best Western, 420 North Peters Road, Attempted Robbery
Motel 6, 323 Lovell Road, Attempted Robbery
Wal-Mart, 6777 Clinton Highway, Attempted Robbery
Comfort Suites, 5466 Central Avenue Pike, Aggravated Robbery
Sleep Inn, 5460 Central Avenue Pike, Aggravated Robbery
Sleep Inn, 214 Prosperity Drive, Aggravated Robbery
Country Inn and Suites, 9137 Cross Park Drive, Aggravated Robbery
Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.