New Details in the DUI Arrest of a Holston Middle School Bus Driver
Photo courtesy of WVLT

New Details in the DUI Arrest of a Holston Middle School Bus Driver

A bus driver contracted with Knox County Schools was arrested Thursday morning, charged with driving under the influence, Knoxville Police Department Communication Manager Scott Erland told WVLT News. We now know more about the arrest, thanks to an incident report obtained by WVLT News.

According to the report, Knox County Schools Security Lieutenant Dustin Tilly said that Holston Middle School had received calls about a bus driving erratically.

Lieutenant Tilly reportedly then called Officer James Manning at Holston Middle School to check on the bus driver, 63-year-old Matthew Leveque. Officer Manning said in court records that Leveque had missed several stops Thursday morning and was later than normal in dropping off 28 children at Rita Elementary at 19 kids at Holston.

The school security officer said in the report that Leveque’s eyes were pinpoint and were twitching, and when pulling the school bus camera video a KCS employee said he could smell alcohol coming from Leveque.

When school officers contacted Leveque he was still sitting in the driver’s seat of the school bus with the keys in the ignition, the report said.

Knoxville police officers responded to Holston Middle School, located at 600 Chilhowee Drive in East Knoxville, around 9 a.m. after being told about “potential issues” by a KCS security staff member.

Officers said that Leveque stated he had taken some medications for blood pressure, his heart and acid reflux. The officer said in the report that Leveque was delayed in his response to questions, had slurred and mumbled speech, had difficulty maintaining balance and smelled like alcohol.

Officers also said that when Leveque was asked what he had to drink he said that was unsure how much he had to drink because he was just pouring vodka into shot glasses and then mixing it with orange juice. Leveque told officers that he thought he might have drank approximately a quarter of a fifth of vodka.

The records also show that when officers searched the bus, they found several water bottles near the driver’s seat.

Even though there were students on Leveque’s bus, Erland told WVLT News that no one was hurt.

WVLT News reached out to KCS for a comment, and the school system sent the following:

KCS does not tolerate this type of behavior or any unsafe activity on buses that serve our students. The bus driver has been removed from the district’s roster of eligible drivers.

All families whose students were on the bus were made aware of the incident, and arrangements have been made to cover transportation going forward.

We appreciate KCS School Security and the Knoxville Police Department for their efforts in this matter. The safety of our students is and will remain our top priority.Knox County Schools

Leveque worked for Lynch Bus Lines, a third-party contractor for the school system.

WVLT News reached out for comment but had not heard back. Story courtesy of WVLT

A Raid on a Pawn Shop in Claiborne County Results in Three Arrests
Photo courtesy of WVLT

A Raid on a Pawn Shop in Claiborne County Results in Three Arrests

Police raid a pawn shop in Claiborne County for stolen property and arrest three people.

The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office raided Middleton Pawn yesterday (Thursday) and arrested Kerry “Pete” Middleton Jr. and Brandie Fultaz who are charged with theft of property and criminal conspiracy and Wilma Middleton is charged with possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.

Officials say additional arrest and charges are possible as the investigation continues.

Oak Ridge Police Warning Residents About Burglaries in the Area
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Oak Ridge Police Warning Residents About Burglaries in the Area

Oak Ridge Police are warning residents about multiple attempted and some successful home burglaries.

The incidents happened in the Georgia, New York, Hendrix and Woodland areas.

Police are asking anyone with camera footage of suspicious activity to report it and anyone with information on the recent incidents are asked to call authorities.

Teen at the Center of a TBI Endangered Child Alert is Found Safe in Alabama

Teen at the Center of a TBI Endangered Child Alert is Found Safe in Alabama

Update: The TBI’s Endangered Child Alert for missing 15 year-old Isaac Steele has ended.

He was found safe today in Bridgeport Alabama

Original Story: The TBI has issued an Endangered Child Alert for missing 15 year-old Isaac Steele.

He was last seen in the area of Hamilton Avenue in South Pittsburg yesterday (Thursday) and may be on a camouflage Coleman Powersports mini bike.

he is 5’10”, 140 lbs., with blonde hair and blue eyes, last seen last night wearing a white shirt, white sweatpants, and green slide shoes.

We have his photo on our website Newstalk987.com.

If you have any information, please call 1-800- TBI FIND.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces Expansion into East Tennessee

BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces Expansion into East Tennessee

Maryville, TN (WOKI) BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding into East Tennessee with a location in Blount County.

The new location in Maryville will be BJ’s fourth location in Tennessee and the first in East Tennessee. The mega-store will be situated near Foothills Mall, at the JC Penny location.

BJ’s Wholesale Club offers a convenient one-stop shopping experience that officials say includes a vast selection of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies and exclusive offerings.

Officials said BJ’s is expected to create about 150 jobs with hiring expected to begin soon. Those looking to work at BJ’s can click here for more information.

Knox County Schools Bus Driver Arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Police Say

Knox County Schools Bus Driver Arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Police Say

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knox County Schools bus driver was arrested this (Thursday) morning, suspected of driving under the influence.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded to Holston Middle School around 9:00 a.m. after being told about “potential issues” by a KCS security staff member.

They say the officers conducted a field sobriety test on the driver, 63-year-old Matthew Leveque, of Knoxville, which he failed.

KPD says there were 19 students on Leveque’s bus before he was arrested, but no one was hurt.

Rural Metro responds to ‘Serious’ Crash Involving Concrete Truck in North Knoxville

Rural Metro responds to ‘Serious’ Crash Involving Concrete Truck in North Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Crews with Rural Metro Fire responded to a “serious” crash in North Knoxville involving an overturned concrete truck around noontime Thursday.

Rural Metro Fire Department officials say the crash happened on E. Emory Road near Stormer Road. They are asking people to avoid the area and to expect “major delays.”

This is a developing story.

Two Hikers Rescued in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Two Hikers Rescued in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Two hikers are rescued after being trapped overnight in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Officials say one of the hikers activated a rescue beacon when they got very cold in the rain and fog Tuesday night.

Park rangers tried to reach the hikers but downed trees blocked their path. The Tennessee Air National Guard was dispatched but low visibility prevented them from flying.

Officials reached the hikers at Peck’s Corner, located near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, and hiked down yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Alert Knoxville Police Officers Arrest a Man in East Knoxville During Suspected Drug Deal

Alert Knoxville Police Officers Arrest a Man in East Knoxville During Suspected Drug Deal

Alert Knoxville Police officers arrest a man in possession of a gun in East Knoxville during a suspected drug deal.

Officers spotted 21 year-old Trevon Allen yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon in what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug deal on Magnolia Avenue. KPD says further investigation revealed he is a convicted felon and was in possession of prescription narcotics and a handgun stolen out of Monroe County.

Demolition of a Downtown Morristown Building Damaged by Fire Continues, Officials Hope to Re-Open Main Street Soon
Photo Courtesy of WVLT

Demolition of a Downtown Morristown Building Damaged by Fire Continues, Officials Hope to Re-Open Main Street Soon

The City of Morristown said Wednesday there has been lots of progress on the Parks-Belk building demolition.

City officials said the top floor of the building is nearly gone, and cleanup work on Main Street will happen in the coming days with the hope that will soon be safe enough to reopen to traffic.

Demolition on the building began last month after a devastating fire in early January rendered it a total loss.

Jeffrey Scott Cicirelli was arrested in connection to the fire and charged with arson, reckless endangerment, burglary and vandalism. According to warrants obtained by WVLT News, Cicirelli had planned to burn more buildings, with investigators finding fire-starting equipment stashed in buildings downtown.

Despite the demolition, officials said all downtown businesses are still open and encouraged people to continue shopping and dining in downtown to support local businesses. Story courtesy of WVLT