Knoxville Man Arrested after Officers Find Weapons, Pounds of Drugs in his Home, Police Say

Knoxville Man Arrested after Officers Find Weapons, Pounds of Drugs in his Home, Police Say

November 27, 2023
Thomas Andrews, 41 (Courtesy: JMS)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) A Knoxville man is arrested after officers find weapons, several pounds of drugs and more than $64,000 in his home.

Our news partner WVLT reports police were looking for a fugitive, Ricky Joe Lee, when they searched a home on Huntwood Lane Saturday, November 25. Police didn’t find Lee, but they did find 41 year-old Thomas Andrews who let officers in to search the residence where they found several guns, drugs, and THC edibles. Andrews reportedly admitted to officers that he sells drugs and had not been employed since 2021.

He also told the officers that there was money in the house’s air vent. Andrews was taken into custody and faces several drug and firearms charges.

Former Knoxville Police Officer Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in Child Porn Case

Former Knoxville Police Officer Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in Child Porn Case

November 27, 2023
(Credit: Frankly Media)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An ex-officer with the Knoxville Police Department pleads “not guilty” Monday to federal child pornography charges, setting the stage for a jury trial early next year.

Dan Roark appeared in a federal courtroom Monday, November 27 for an arraignment and indictment hearing. Roark had been arrested on November 6 on charges related to the production of child pornography after an investigation by U.S. Homeland Security, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and others.

(Courtesy: KPD)

He had worked for KPD since 2007; he was fired following an internal investigation.

According to an affidavit, investigators say that Roark was found to have been in direct contact with a juvenile victim and their mother. The affidavit also states the mother was paid by Roark for the images she provided to him.

A jury trial for Roark is set for Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is Asking for the Public’s Help to Find an Armed Robbery Suspect

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is Asking for the Public’s Help to Find an Armed Robbery Suspect

November 27, 2023

Police in Jefferson County are searching for a robbery suspect in Strawberry Plains and asking for the public’s help.

Police were called to the Roadside Market and Deli in the 2300 block of West Highway 11 E. Video shows the suspect was wearing all black, wearing glasses and armed with a semiautomatic handgun.

If you have any information or observed any vehicles parked west of this location during the time of this robbery contact Det Sgt Robby McMahan at 865-471-6000 ext 1109 or Jefferson County Central Dispatch 865-475-6855

Public Assistance Needed to Identify Those Responsible for Suspected Arson Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

Public Assistance Needed to Identify Those Responsible for Suspected Arson Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

November 27, 2023

The National Park Service is requesting the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the start of the Rich Mountain Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The initial investigation indicates that two fires were started on November 20th in the Rich Mountain area by an unknown arsonist. The fires were started under high wind conditions, a red flag warning and a park-wide burn ban. The Rich Mountain Fire was reported on November 20th around 2:30 pm near the intersection of Old Cades Cove Road and Rich Mountain Road. The fire prompted an early-morning voluntary evacuation of homes near the park boundary on November 21st.  

“Intentionally setting fires in the park, except in designated rings or picnic areas, is always illegal and is extremely dangerous, especially under the extreme weather conditions we saw this week,” said Boone Vandzura, Chief Ranger of Resource and Visitor Protection. “We are asking visitors and neighbors for help as we work to identify those responsible for this suspected arson.”  

A white truck was seen at the Rich Mountain trailhead on November 20th around 10 a.m. This vehicle may not be involved in the incident, but the occupants may have seen something and have information that can assist the investigation. Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you have information that could help identify those responsible for this suspected arson, the park asks you to please submit a tip. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. A financial award is available for validated tips.  

CALL or TEXT the NPS-wide Tip Line 888-653-0009 
ONLINE form https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm
EMAIL [email protected] 
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1  

As of Wednesday (11/22/23), the Rich Mountain Fire is 100% contained. Firefighters continue to mop up the fire and will monitor it through the weekend. 31 personnel are assigned to the Rich Mountain Fire, including National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service and firefighters.  

Christmas in the City at Knoxville’s Safety City Begins This Week

Christmas in the City at Knoxville’s Safety City Begins This Week

November 27, 2023

Christmas in the city at Knoxville’s Safety City begins tomorrow (Tuesday).

It will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 165 South Concord Street. Dates and times are subject to change for weather. Guest may bring bicycles, non-motorized scooters, strollers and wagons to come ride or walk thru the City and you must have helmet to ride and you have to stay on the street so pedestrians can walk on sidewalk.

No running around buildings or grass due to lights and cords and no motorized scooters/bikes, roller-skates/blades, hoverboards, one wheels, or skateboards are allowed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and no pets are allowed.

Nov. 28th 4pm-8pm
Nov. 29th 4pm-8pm
Nov. 30th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 5th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 6th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 7th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 12th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 13th 4pm-8pm
Dec. 14th 4pm-8pm

Questions, please call 865-215-7103.

Website Poll Question: How do you view the 8-4 regular season for the 2023 Vols?

Website Poll Question: How do you view the 8-4 regular season for the 2023 Vols?

November 26, 2023

We’d love your vote in our new poll question below. Feel free to share with your friends or followers, so their votes can be counted as well. Photo courtesy of UT Athletics.

991TheSportsAnimal.com Website Poll

Besides the QBs, which FIRST YEAR Vols football player will make the biggest impact on offense?
Knox County to Host 25th Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove

Knox County to Host 25th Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove

November 22, 2023
Knox County to host 25th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove in December. (Courtesy: Knox County)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will flip the switch to open the 25th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park this Friday, November 24.

The family-friendly Festival will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. through Saturday, December 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The park is located at 11808 S. Northshore Dr.

The event is free and open to the public though visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to The Love Kitchen, which provides meals, clothing, and emergency food packages for the homebound, homeless, and unemployed.

“This will be the 25th anniversary, and traditions like this are what makes this time of year special,” Jacobs said. “Folks have the chance to drop by, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and even help give back to the community or just spend time taking in the lights and activities.”

Opening night will feature Storytime and letters to Santa. A concession stand will also offer snacks like pizza and hot dogs throughout the month.

During the festival, the park’s greenway trail will be decorated by a light display coordinated with music. The Cove also has several grills and fire pits available for the public.

Knoxville Firefighters Battle Early Morning House Fire on McCalla Avenue

Knoxville Firefighters Battle Early Morning House Fire on McCalla Avenue

November 22, 2023
KFD firefighters battle fire in the 2200 block of McCalla Avenue Wednesday. (Courtesy: KFD)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A home in East Knoxville suffers heavy fire damage and a partial roof collapse due to an early morning blaze.

KFD firefighters battle fire in the 2200 block of McCalla Avenue Wednesday. (Courtesy: KFD)

Knoxville Fire Department officials say they received a call shortly before 4:00 Wednesday morning for a house that had thick black smoke coming from it in the 2200 block of McCalla Avenue.

Officials say KFD crews made a quick attack on the fire but were met with heavy fire conditions, and it appeared that the fire had been burning for sometime. Firefighters getting that blaze under control shortly after 4:30 a.m.

KFD says no one was home at the time of the fire, and the home was under renovations. No injuries were reported.

Authorities Arrest Escaped Sex Crimes Suspect after a Month on the Run

Authorities Arrest Escaped Sex Crimes Suspect after a Month on the Run

November 22, 2023
Escaped sex crimes suspect caught. Sean Williams, 52 (Courtesy: TBI)

Greene County, TN (WOKI) On the run for more than a month, the hunt for a man wanted on numerous sex charges including rape of a child, is now over.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 52-year-old Sean Williams was arrested without incident after being tracked down by a K9 team with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Florida; he was taken into custody Tuesday night near Tampa.

The former Johnson City businessman escaped while being transported to the Greeneville courthouse from Laurel County, Kentucky for a hearing on October 18th.

In a prior update from TBI Tuesday afternoon, it was confirmed that authorities have Williams last spotted in Pinellas County in Florida. The FBI’s Tampa account on X posted that they are still searching for Williams and requested that anyone with information on his whereabouts call 911.

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