McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy says deputies caught five burglars in the act at Sweetwater Airsoft.
Police were called to the business on County Road 275 Monday for a report of a theft in progress and found a Ford F-150 with two suspects inside, and as more deputies arrived, they found three more suspects at the corner of the property.
18 year-old Joshua Weber, 20 year-old James Whitner, 19 year-old Blake Fisher, 24 year-old Paiden Davis and a 17 year-old were taken into custody.
Guy says the stolen items were returned to the business owners as they were recovered.
Joshua Weber, 18, of Vonore
Two counts of burglary
Two counts of theft over $1,000
$56,000 bond
James Whitner, 20, of Sweetwater
Felony burglary
Theft over $2,500
$56,000 bond
Blake Fisher, 19, of Athens
Conspiracy to commit burglary
$5,000 bond
Paiden Davis, 24, of Vonore
Conspiracy to commit burglary
$10,000 bond
17-year-old juvenile
Charged separately through juvenile court
(L-R) Joshua Weber, James Whitmer, Blake Fisher, Paiden Davis(MCSO)
“It appeared that Weber and the juvenile had been to the Airsoft business at some time before and had returned the night before with Whitner, Davis and Fisher and burglarized it,” said Guy. “They returned the next night to do the same. Weber, Whitner and the juvenile broke in while Davis and Fisher waited outside in the truck. Several of the airsoft guns and other accessories had been hidden in the nearby woods, and deputies were able to locate those and others the thieves had taken to the homes of Webber and the juvenile in Monroe County. Those were later recovered from both locations with the assistance of Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies.”
Guy said the stolen items were returned to the business owners as they were recovered.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) County officials are asking for community input on their East Knox County mobility study, a survey that identified 23 projects the county plans to start soon.
The county is taking information through a specialized website which includes an interactive map that outlines each transportation project the county is planning. In addition, the website has a tool that allows the you to pick the most important projects to get funded.
“To ensure that your voice is heard in shaping the future of transportation in East Knox County, we have provided two activities where you can share your feedback,” mobility team members said. “The final projects have been identified based on public and stakeholder input, safety assessments, and the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping to prioritize these projects.”
The deadline to respond is April 18.
Knox County asking for input on future traffic, transportation projects. (Courtesy: WVLT / WSAW)
Monroe County, TN (WOKI) Two people are arrested after drug busts in Monroe County.
Sheriff Tommy Jones says the Narcotics Division and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a room in the Economy Inn in Sweetwater. There, agents found almost 5 grams of fentanyl and arrested one person.
Two days later, Jones says the Narcotics Division executed another search warrant, this one in the area of Brakebill Road in Vonore. One person was arrested after about 10 grams of fentanyl was found.
Jones says they are not releasing the names of the suspects and says finding fentanyl in both of these searches was important because it has been related to multiple drug overdoses.
Jones said finding fentanyl in both of these searches was important because it has been related to multiple drug overdoses. (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A University of Tennessee Police Department officer is recovering from injuries sustained Tuesday morning following a crash in Knoxville.
Officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol say the crash happened around 8:00 a.m. on Kingston Pike.
THP reports the officer was trying to turn left when another driver traveling down the road did not yield, hitting the cruiser.
A representative for UTPD says the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening.
At this time, no charges have been filed.
UT police officer involved in Knoxville crash, THP officials say. (Courtesy: WVLT / Kyle Grainger)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two men have been indicted in connection to a shooting outside of a Knoxville bar.
It happened last October at Bucket Head Tavern on Ray Mears Boulevard. A witness says he was walking outside, heard shots and saw an SUV leave the scene. The victim, who was shot multiple times, identified Treveon Bradley and Jaden Moore as the men who attempted to rob him when he was hit by the gunfire. Bradley and Moore then took his car after he was shot.
Bradley and Moore have been indicted on the following charges:
Carjacking
Especially aggravated robbery
Attempted second-degree murder
Employing a firearm during a dangerous felony
Two counts of aggravated assault
There was an unrelated shooting in the businesses parking lot last week which injured four. The tavern has now changed its hours of operation to close at midnight.
Treveon Bradley(L) and Jaden Moore. (Courtesy: JIMS)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Tuesday the signing of Jaylen Carey.
A forward who already has a year of SEC experience on an NCAA Tournament team, Carey joins the Volunteers from Vanderbilt. He has two seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining.
“We are pleased to welcome Jaylen, as well as his great family, to Vol Nation. He is a tremendous person and his distinct passion for the game will blend in nicely with the culture of Tennessee basketball,” Barnes said. “Jaylen is a physical power forward with versatility who can play with his backet to basket or face up. He is a proven SEC competitor with excellent hands, superb offensive instincts, quality passing ability and a strong feel for the game. Jaylen’s style will complement the post players we already have and we cannot wait to get to work with him.”
Prior to spending this past season at Vanderbilt, Carey opened his career in 2023-24 at James Madison. Over his two years as a collegian, he owns averages of 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in just 17.4 minutes per game, along with a 56.5 percent field-goal clip.
Carey has 20 double-digit point totals thus far, including notching 14-plus seven times and 18 twice. The 6-foot-8, 265-pounder has pulled down 10-plus rebounds on six occasions, four times recording a double-double.
During the 2024-25 season, Carey averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game for Vanderbilt. He grabbed six-plus rebounds in 17 of 33 games, aiding the Commodores to a 20-13 (8-10 SEC) record and their first NCAA Tournament trip since 2017.
Carey was at his best in SEC play, recording 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game across his 18 outings in league action. Seven of his 11 double-digit point totals came in conference competition, as did four of his five double-figure rebound performances and two of his three double-doubles.
One of Carey’s finest games came Feb. 15 in Knoxville when he tied a career high with 18 points, shooting 5-of-6 from the floor and 7-of-9 at the line, at Food City Center. The Davie, Fla., native added seven rebounds and three assists in the contest.
In 2023-24, Carey helped James Madison to its finest year in program history, as the Dukes went 32-4 (15-3 SBC) and reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. He averaged 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in just 14.9 minutes per game, plus shot 66.9 percent from the field.
Carey scored in double figures nine times as a freshman and tallied one double-double. He scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title game victory over Arkansas State.
A graduate of Westminster Academy, Carey averaged 14.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a senior. He was an all-state selection as a junior after putting up greater than 19.0 points, 13.0 points, 3.0 assists and 3.0 blocks per game.
Carey was a 2022 All-Nike EYBL Peach Jam Second Team designee after averaging 15.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.0 steal per game in the prestigious tournament. Competing for Nightrydas Elite, he also collected All-Defensive Team recognition.
Before Carey, the last Floridian on Tennessee’s roster was Derek Reese in 2015-16, Barnes’ first season at the helm. Carey follows eight prior letter winners from the Sunshine State, a group that includes Dyron Nix and Austin “Red” Robbins.
Carey’s father, Vernon Sr., was an All-American and national title-winning offensive lineman at Miami. He was the No. 19 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and played eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Carey’s brother, Vernon Jr., was an All-American basketball player at Duke, where he was the 2020 USBWA National Freshman of the Year. He was the No. 32 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and currently plays professionally in Turkey.
On3 ranks Carey as the No. 38 player in the transfer portal, including 11th-best at the power forward position.
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s first-team defense set the tone in the Volunteers’ second scrimmage to kick off the final week of spring football Monday morning in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee opened the morning with special teams action and worked close to 80 plays from scrimmage, culminating with a four-minute drill.
“Just defensively, started fast today,” said head coach Josh Heupel. “I thought they played extremely well early in the scrimmage. Offensively, there’s some execution that we have to clean up. That’s guys that are skill players out on the perimeter. It was some of our protection stuff too. All in all, there are some things that we have to do at a better level today.”
Dynamic sophomore Boo Carter continues to see action in all three phases – as a special teams returner, as the starter at STAR on defense and as a wide receiver.
“We’re intentional in what positions we are putting him in during the course of practice and today during the scrimmage, and trying to manage that side of it,” Heupel said. “He has worked hard. You can look at him as a punt returner, to see his skill set when he has the ball in his hands that he has the chance to be a dynamic playmaker.”
The Vols return to the field Wednesday for their final padded practice before going through a “fast” Friday workout.
Saturday’s Orange & White Game presented by Cherokee Resorts & Entertainment is set for a 2 p.m. start in Neyland Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at AllVols.com.
“I think it is really important for the young guys,” Heupel said. “They get a chance to go out and perform in front of people. It’s a part of the growth for them as we get ready for kickoff next fall. It should be a beautiful day, and I look forward to seeing our fans.”
Tennessee Football Media Availability | April 7, 2025 Head Coach Josh Heupel
Opening statement… “Good work this morning. Got some situational football in as well, and there are some things to clean up from that. The defense, ‘one’ defense in particular I thought had a really good day, started really fast. Offensively we have some things that we have to clean up – just on execution and communication – but a lot of good work.”
On the improvement of pre-snap operation during the second scrimmage… “Both sides of the ball had a few more penalties than we had in scrimmage one. We have to play smart, play cleaner, and that was true offensively but on the defensive side of the ball as well. We have to continue to grow in the way that we play.”
On the challenge of scrimmaging and maximizing opportunities… “The game hasn’t changed. You have to be physical, you have to play with alignment and technique and you have to play assignment sound. We’ve tried to balance that throughout the course of spring but at some point, you have to get the work that you need to grow as a team too. On days like today, we’ve placed an emphasis on that.”
On the development of Peyton Lewis… “Peyton has had a great spring. He has a lot more comfort and understanding in the scope of what we’re doing, and it should be that way in year two. He grew throughout the course of last year too, but he’s done a really, really good job. That’s with the ball in his hands, but that’s also playing without the ball. All those running backs have done a good job of growing throughout the (spring), but have really grown fundamentally in playing without the football. They’ve all continued to take strides in understanding what we’re doing, in particular the young guys. A lot of good competition in that room.”
On execution of the defense early in the scrimmage… “Just defensively, started fast today. I thought they played extremely well early in the scrimmage. Offensively, there’s some execution that we have to clean up. That’s guys that are skill players out on the perimeter. It was some of our protection stuff too. All in all, there are some things that we have to do at a better level today.”
On younger players understanding the urgency of roster placement and how it has affected their approach… “They get the urgency of the competition. We grade those guys every day. They certainly understand that you don’t just put the Tennessee helmet on and positive things happen for you on gameday. This is a game where you have to go make it happen. All of those guys are in the growth (stage), talking about the young guys in particular. There is not an end destination, it’s a journey to continue to grow to be the player you need, and then to operate as 11 guys operating as one. Offense, defense, and on special teams too. We are a long way from kickoff. We have a chance to be a good team, but we have to continue to grow.”
On Boo Carter handling the duties of a two-way player… “When you do that, there is a whole other work load that you have to take on. You have to understand what is going on, on both sides of the football, and he has done a really good job. He has spent a lot of extra time in here, learning what we’re doing offensively and being able to handle the structure of the offense. We’re intentional in what positions we are putting him in during the course of practice and today during the scrimmage, and trying to manage that side of it. He has worked hard. You can look at him as a punt returner, to see his skill set when he has the ball in his hands that he has the chance to be a dynamic playmaker.”
On his evaluation of the quarterbacks in the scrimmage with deep-ball accuracy… “A couple plays down the field that I really liked. We got into some four-minute situation, and there are some things we can clean up in the operation of that. That’s the first time they’ve had that this spring. All in all, there is some real positive, but there are things that we have to clean up, and that’s all the guys that are in the room.”
On the offensive line’s performance and progress… “I like where the group is going. There is competition. They understand that, day-in and day-out with what is going on out on the practice field and how they are getting graded. Today, I thought there were times where we executed well in the run game. I don’t think it was a complete day where we executed to the level that we’re capable of as an entire unit for the entire day.”
On the young receivers building on the first scrimmage and their performance today… “Those guys have been really consistent as far as what we are getting out of them on the practice field and in the meeting room. You see them continuing to take strides. I thought they both performed well today, talking about the two new young guys in that room (Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson).”
On the defensive backs’ progression between spring scrimmages… “For me – after watching it, I’ll have a better understanding of their overall performance throughout the course of the day. Fundamentally and within the scope of their technique and scheme, they have continued to take strides. You can see that in our 11-on-11, but you can see it in some of our group work where we are working those fundamentals and technique as well. It’s a talented group, it’s long, it’s athletic. They just have to continue to grow as a player before we get to the fall.”
On Mike Matthews, Chris Brazzell II and Braylon Staley’s performance in the scrimmage… “Braylon (Staley) wasn’t going today, but I thought the other two guys did a good job in the scope of what we are doing offensively. They have been consistent in making plays day-in and day-out on the practice field. For them, it’s just constant growth within the scope of what we are doing: the fundamentals and technique. learning how to attack defenders, reading zone and man and ultimately getting on the same page with the quarterback.”
On concerns for depth at wide receiver… “Ultimately, it is always about the guys in the room. A year ago, we had some guys that departed through the transfer portal. It’s hard to keep everybody happy at that position. I love the group that we have. As a staff, you always evaluate where you are on the back end of spring ball, and we will certainly do that. I really like the guys we have there. How they work, how they compete, how they are trying to grow, that’s on the practice field and outside of it. I like what they have done through the course of spring ball too.”
On his approach to the Saturday’s Orange and White Game… “For us, it is the third opportunity to play football in a gameday-like situation. I think it is really important for the young guys. They get a chance to go out and perform in front of people. It’s a part of the growth for them as we get ready for kickoff next fall. I am looking forward to seeing a huge crowd. I’m not sure what we are limited to because of construction, but I expect that thing to be packed out. It should be a beautiful day, and I look forward to seeing our fans.”
On if the spring game will be a similar format like recent years… “Yes, relatively. There may be a few subtle tweaks to it, but yes.”
The House Government Operations Committee narrowly passes the bill that would allow Tennessee schools to charge undocumented students tuition, or refuse to enroll them if their parents cannot pay.
The bill was recommended for passage with eight votes for and seven votes against it during yesterday’s (Monday) hearing. Now, it will be discussed in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.
As it was being voted on, demonstrators gathered to recite the Lord’s Prayer in front of the representatives.
The bill has faced extensive debate in the legislature as well as pushback from demonstrators at several junctures during this session.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.)—As communities across Tennessee begin recovering from devastating tornadoes and flooding, and with the threat of more severe weather this weekend, Secretary of State Tre Hargett warned Tennesseans to remain vigilant about potential scams as they consider supporting those impacted.
“Tennesseans are among the most generous supporters of charitable causes, and too often, bad actors target their good faith, kindness, and generosity during these extremely difficult situations,” said Secretary Hargett. “Anyone considering donating to support what will likely be a long recovery process needs to be an educated consumer with their gift. If citizens have questions about an organization’s legitimacy or objective, please contact our office at 615-741-2286.”
Citizens considering a charitable donation are encouraged to do their research and ensure an individual or entity is registered with the state through the Secretary of State’s website. They should also resist pressure to give immediately and ask questions about an entity’s specific mission and who benefits from their donation. If anyone donates through an app or website, they should make sure their information goes directly to the organization.
Additional wise giving tips include asking for a receipt and whether a contribution is tax-deductible, paying close attention to the name of a nonprofit organization, and inquiring how much money the fundraiser keeps and how much goes to a nonprofit. Donors are also encouraged to refrain from giving cash and, instead, use a check or credit card so there is a record of the transaction.
Entities soliciting as part of disaster relief fundraising are also reminded that there are certain reporting requirements under state law. To learn more about filing a report, please click here.
Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) Two people are arrested early Wednesday morning after heroin and a stolen gun are found during a traffic stop in Cumberland County.
Officials with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office say deputies pulled a car over for multiple lane violations on I-40 East just before 2:30 a.m. The driver, Jerry Crandall, and the passenger, William Kirby, couldn’t give deputies a valid driver’s license or proof of insurance.
CCSO says deputies had probable cause to search the car finding a gun which was stolen from Knox County, a glass pipe with residue inside and Narcan. Deputies also found 68 grams, about four ounces, of a substance that field-tested positive for heroin.
Crandall and Kirby were taken into custody and transported to the Cumberland County Jail.
Heroin, stolen gun found in car during traffic stop in Cumberland County, sheriff’s office says. (Courtesy: CCSO)
