UPDATE: SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A suspect is in custody following an armed robbery Friday morning at the Cherokee Trading Post in Sevierville.
According to the Sevierville Police Department, officers responded to a reported armed robbery at approximately 9:20 a.m. at the business, located at 1590 Winfield Dunn Parkway.
Police initially said the suspect was wearing black or dark-colored pants, a jacket, a ski mask, white shoes and a gray hat. Investigators believed the suspect fled the area on foot following the robbery and launched an active search.
As officers searched for the suspect, nearby schools in the area were placed on a precautionary soft lockdown while law enforcement worked to locate the individual.
At 11:23 a.m., Sevierville Police announced that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities said investigators have no reason to believe any other individuals were involved in the robbery and are confident there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect or additional details about the arrest.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Headline Tags
Sevierville, Sevierville Police Department, Cherokee Trading Post, armed robbery, suspect arrested, Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevier County, police investigation, robbery suspect, East Tennessee crime, Sevierville crime, Boyd’s Creek, Gary Hardin Academy, Northview Primary School, Northview Intermediate School, soft lockdown, public safety, Tennessee crime, breaking news, Sevier County news, East Tennessee news
ORIGINAL STORY: SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Sevierville Police Department is searching for a suspect accused of robbing a Sevierville business Friday morning, prompting precautionary lockdowns at several nearby schools.
According to police, officers responded around 9:20 a.m. to an armed robbery at the Cherokee Trading Post, located at 1590 Winfield Dunn Parkway.
Investigators said the suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large.
Police described the suspect as wearing dark or black pants, a dark-colored jacket, a ski mask, white shoes and a gray hat. Authorities added that the suspect may have changed clothing after leaving the area.
As officers searched for the suspect, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office announced that four schools in the immediate area were placed on a precautionary soft lockdown.
The affected schools include:
- Boyd’s Creek Elementary School
- Gary Hardin Academy
- Northview Primary School
- Northview Intermediate School
Officials said the schools were placed on soft lockdown because they are located in the general vicinity of the robbery. The measure was implemented as a temporary safety precaution while law enforcement officers continue searching for the suspect.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the lockdowns are precautionary and will remain in place until cleared by leadership with the Sevier County School System.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information regarding the robbery or the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sevierville Police Department at 865-453-5506.
