Knoxville Police say the man on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list wanted for double murder is in custody.
26 year-old Jair Martin was taken into custody earlier today at an apartment on Goins Drive after receiving tips he could be inside.
Martin is accused in the shooting deaths of Madison and Heidi Johnson on Woodlawn Pike, he is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is asking for help finding a fugitive wanted for sexual exploitation of a child.
Orlando Antonio Santiago could be in Knoxville or Sevierville. His last known address was on Geyland Heights Road in Knoxville.
Anyone with information asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 .
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will attend most Knox County Schools’ graduation ceremonies over the next two weeks, keeping a promise he made to each public high school senior class.
Throughout the school year, Mayor Jacobs visits graduating classes to share a message of encouragement about the importance of earning a high school diploma—whether a student has plans to enroll in a 2- or 4-year university or community college or start the journey for trade certifications.
Mayor Jacobs also joined Randy Boyd and Tennessee Achieves earlier this year to announce the goal of increasing the rate of college attendance in Knox County to 70 percent by 2024. It was a message to families that he wants to work with them in showing their student the importance of post-secondary education and of finding their own pathway to personal success.
“Graduation is a big accomplishment,” said Mayor Jacobs. “I’m happy to join in celebrating Knox County graduates and their success in establishing a strong foundation for their futures.”
Mayor Jacobs will join Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, key central office staff, and school administrators on stage following the schedule below:
As the Mayor is unable to attend the Career Magnet and KCS Virtual School graduations on Saturday, May 20, a representative will attend in his place.
It’s time for summer, and MEDIC is ready to kick things off with the annual Parrot Head Week from May 22 – 26.
MEDIC will be serving cheeseburgers to throughout the week, and donors will receive a special edition t-shirt (while supplies last), Texas Roadhouse coupon, Salsarita’s coupon, and automatic entry to win one of five Margaritaville gift cards or a two-night stay at the hotel in Pigeon Forge.
Grilling schedule:
Monday – Athens Donor Center
Tuesday – Crossville Donor Center
Wednesday and Thursday – Ailor Avenue and Farragut Donor Centers
Friday – No grilling
On Wednesday and Thursday, donors at Ailor Avenue can enjoy live music from Barry Jolly in the outdoor tent sponsored by Pinnacle Financial.
Reserving a time slot is encouraged and can be completed in- the MEDIC donor app, on the website at medicblood.org, or by calling 865-521-2683.
MEDIC is the primary blood product provider for 24 hospitals in 22 counties including Blount Memorial, Covenant Health System, East TN Children’s Hospital, Tennova Healthcare, and UT Medical Center.
As a reminder, the blood, platelets, and plasma products on the shelves now are what would be used in a trauma event, and it takes at least three days for donated blood to be processed and ready for distribution. Demand remains high while donations have been low this summer.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Sevier County.
It happened yesterday afternoon on Newport Highway when THP says a car driven by 23 year-old Kobe Jack crossed the highway into an SUV driven by 29 year-old Jesse Lohr, who swerved to avoid Jack’s car which still hit him head-on.
Jack, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was killed in the crash. Lohr and his passenger were injured, no word on their condition.
A guilty plea in the death of a Hardin Valley Academy teen killed in a drunk driving crash in 2021.
John Boles was 21 at the time of the crash, accused of driving under the influence and crashing a truck filled with eight people on New Henderson Road in Anderson County. 18 year-old Madison Percell died in that crash.
Boles will face 90 days of house arrest, must wear a SCRAM ankle monitor device for two years, take random drug screenings, attend a DUI school and a MADD Victim Impact Panel and pay court costs following his guilty plea.
Today marks 700 days since an Amber Alert was issued for Hawkins County then 5 year-old Summer Wells.
Summer was reported missing on June 15th in 2021 and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued Endangered Child Alert which became an Amber Alert a day later.
TBI took to Twitter on February 4, Summer’s seventh birthday, to let the public know they are still investigating.
Don Wells, Summer’s Dad, told TBI he believed she had been abducted but TBI still has no evidence to confirm that.
TBI looking for a red Toyota Tacoma with a full-bed ladder rack and white buckets in the bed that was reported in the area which could have information about Summer’s disappearance but no leads have panned out.
It was learned Don Wells’ had been arrested on domestic assault charges in 2020. In October of 2021, he was arrested for driving under the influence and pleaded guilty to a DUI charge, he was sentenced to 11 months and 29, he has now been released.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man’s body is found on the side of the road in North Knoxville.
Detectives called to the 8000 block of Clinton Highway last night after the man’s body was found on the southbound side of the road. The victim was taken to the regional forensics center for an autopsy to determine his identity and the cause of death.
The Knoxville Police Department honored its 2022 employee and officer of the year award winners on Monday at the department’s annual Employee Recognition Luncheon.
Four employees and one volunteer were recognized during the luncheon for their outstanding service on behalf of the KPD and dedication to the City of Knoxville.
Officers Jonathan Gomez and Austin Jordan were recognized as the 2022 Officers of the Year, while Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police Becky Kreisa was named the 2022 Employee of the Year. Andrew Beatty was selected as the KPD’s Explorer of the Year, and Sergeant Phil Major was honored with the distinguished Mike Waggoner Leadership Award.
“All five of these individuals embody what it means to be a Knoxville Police Department employee,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Whether through their proactive efforts to make our city safer, unyielding commitment to their daily tasks, or their years of leadership and dedication, these employees possess all of the qualities that we value as an organization. I thank each of these winners for how they represent our department and help us accomplish our mission every single day.”
Officer of the Year – Jonathan Gomez
Gomez has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 2015. He joined the KPD after an 11-year stint in the U.S. Army, where he continues to serve as a reserve.
Gomez, who currently serves as an investigator in the Organized Crime Unit, was nominated as the Officer of the Year based on the body of his work as a then member of the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT).
In 2022 alone, Gomez’s proactive efforts led directly to over 30 arrests for felony offenses and the seizure of over 20 illegally-possessed firearms.
Gomez also initiated a large-scale investigation that, paired with the work of the Organized Crime Unit, resulted in a widespread drug conspiracy case that led to the indictment of 22 members or associates of the Gangster Disciples, a well-known street gang.
Additionally, Gomez’s efforts to develop positive, mutually beneficial relationships in the community paid dividends on multiple occasions in 2022, including in one such case that led to the safe apprehension of an individual who was wanted on charges that included aggravated assault and aggravated stalking.
In addition to his uncommon contributions as a member of CERT, Gomez also served on the department’s Mobile Field Force and as a Field Training Officer. Gomez also utilized his training in forensics to assist whenever needed. That included photographs, confiscations and inventory of items for CERT investigations to reduce the burden on the Forensics Unit. Gomez is also a fluent Spanish-speaking officer, and he assisted patrol officers and investigators as needed in that capacity.
In his nomination form, it was said that “Officer Gomez was selflessly committed to making the unit better through assisting his fellow officers with their investigations, helping train his fellow officers to utilize investigative tools he was familiar with, and taking on tasks anytime supervisors gave him assignments.”
It was also stated that, “While being assigned to CERT, Officer Gomez went above and beyond his required duties to provide excellent service to the citizens of Knoxville. I believe the reach and scope of his efforts have affected those beyond our city limits as well.”
Officer of the Year – Austin Jordan
Jordan has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 2018 and is currently assigned to the Organized Crime Unit.
Jordan, like Officer Gomez, was nominated for 2022 Officer of the Year recognition based on his exceptional, sustained efforts as a member of the Community Engagement Response Team.
Jordan’s self-initiated work led directly to a number of arrests of violent offenders. That was highlighted by the arrest of Darius Smith. On March 31, 2022, officers responded to a home on Leon Drive to investigate the disappearance of Justin Goins. There was evidence of foul play on scene and officers were able to develop a vehicle of interest. The next day, on April 1, officers received an alert that the vehicle had hit on one of the LPR cameras.
Jordan was on his way to work but had not yet began his shift when he started to circulate for the vehicle in the area of the alert. Jordan ultimately located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a stop, but the vehicle fled. After a short pursuit, Smith, who ran from the vehicle, was apprehended. The body of Justin Goins was located inside of the vehicle and Smith was ultimately charged with first-degree murder among other charges.
On June 27, 2022, thanks to his situational awareness and attention to detail, Jordan spotted the suspects of a shooting in the parking lot of a gas station on Western Avenue and took both of them into custody without incident. One of those subjects had outstanding warrants that included attempted first-degree murder. The other was also wanted on an indictment for attempted first-degree murder.
On September 7, 2022, Jordan followed up on an LPR alert in the Walter P. area. That proactive response ultimately led to the arrest of William North, who at the time was wanted on 10 outstanding warrants, including for especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated stalking.
In addition to his contributions to CERT, Jordan also served on the Mobile Field Force, Honor Guard and most recently the Bomb Squad.
In his nomination, it was noted that “Officer Jordan has proven himself to be a leader amongst his peers who requires minimal supervision, and can always be counted on to do the right thing. The combination of Officer Jordan’s positive attitude, proactive nature, commendable law enforcement knowledge base, and his desire to make a difference in his community, make him one of KPD’s top officers, and should definitely be considered for the 2022 Officer of the Year Award.”
Mike Waggoner Leadership Award – Sergeant Phil Major
Veteran Sergeant Phil Major was selected to receive the prestigious Mike Waggoner Leadership Award, which is presented annually to an officer who exhibits strong passion, dedication and thoroughness while inspiring those around them to do the same. Recipients of the award embody all of the characteristics that the Knoxville Police Department wants to instill in future generations of officers.
Sgt. Major has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 1993 and is currently assigned to the Organized Crime Unit as the supervisor of the Drug-Related Death Taskforce.
Sgt. Major has served the KPD in numerous capacities over the course of his career, including as a Cadet, patrol officer, patrol supervisor, Inspections Unit supervisor and the supervisor of the Repeat Offender Squad. He also previously assisted and directed the AAA Safety Patrol Trip to Washington, D.C.
In his nomination, it was noted that Sgt. Major has been a friend and mentor to generations of KPD officers, who have found in him a reliable and trusted source of knowledge and advice.
That nomination went on to say that “Sgt. Major is a calming influence in even the most stressful situation. He has been asked to perform many different functions throughout his career. He has approached them all with a positive attitude and met them with the best of his abilities. He is a representative of the Knoxville Police Department at its best. Sgt. Major is truly a leader that lets his actions speak louder than his words.”
Employee of the Year – Becky Kreisa
Becky Kreisa has served the Knoxville Police Department for over 20 years, and currently serves as the Executive Assistant to Chief of Police Paul Noel.
Kreisa was nominated based on the dedicated, professional and respectful manner in which she approaches all of her daily tasks, which includes the difficult logistical task of managing the Chief’s schedule. Kreisa also manages the Chief’s Office phone lines and represents the KPD in an extremely professional manner. Additionally, Kreisa is responsible for the distribution of important, time-sensitive department-wide communications from the Chief’s Office.
Kreisa also serves as a central point of contact for vendors, facility management and other city departments when the Chief’s Office is planning or overseeing events. In 2022, she played an essential role in the planning and execution of numerous significant public events, including the swearing-in ceremony for Chief Noel, possibly the largest promotional ceremony in department history and the annual Christmas luncheon.
Kreisa was also commended for her sharp organizational and communication skills, willingness to help, and consistent, steadying presence in the Chief’s Office.
In her nomination for Employee of the Year, it was said that “In her almost 23 years with the KPD, Becky has been unyielding in her dedication and commitment to the agency. Among the professional support staff, aside from those working overnight hours in NCIC, Becky is routinely the last one to leave every day. Becky has developed strong relationships with the members of our department, which has helped her earn the trust and respect of her colleagues and excel in her role as the Chief’s Executive Assistant.”
Explorer of the Year – Andrew Beatty
Andrew Beatty was selected as the 2022 Explorer of the Year for his outstanding dedication as the department’s most senior Explorer. Beatty routinely volunteered his time to the City of Knoxville by participating in regular Explorer meetings and assisting with special events throughout the city.
Beatty was quickly placed in a leadership position in the fall of 2022 and has since excelled in that position.
In his nomination for the award, it was said that “Explorer Beatty is extremely dependable and proactive in problem solving with his peers. Explorer Beatty is an asset to the Explorer Post and the department.”
The Knoxville Police Department honored its 2022 employee and officer of the year award winners on Monday at the department’s annual Employee Recognition Luncheon.
Four employees and one volunteer were recognized during the luncheon for their outstanding service on behalf of the KPD and dedication to the City of Knoxville.
Officers Jonathan Gomez and Austin Jordan were recognized as the 2022 Officers of the Year, while Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police Becky Kreisa was named the 2022 Employee of the Year. Andrew Beatty was selected as the KPD’s Explorer of the Year, and Sergeant Phil Major was honored with the distinguished Mike Waggoner Leadership Award.
“All five of these individuals embody what it means to be a Knoxville Police Department employee,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Whether through their proactive efforts to make our city safer, unyielding commitment to their daily tasks, or their years of leadership and dedication, these employees possess all of the qualities that we value as an organization. I thank each of these winners for how they represent our department and help us accomplish our mission every single day.”
Officer of the Year – Jonathan Gomez
Gomez has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 2015. He joined the KPD after an 11-year stint in the U.S. Army, where he continues to serve as a reserve.
Gomez, who currently serves as an investigator in the Organized Crime Unit, was nominated as the Officer of the Year based on the body of his work as a then member of the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT).
In 2022 alone, Gomez’s proactive efforts led directly to over 30 arrests for felony offenses and the seizure of over 20 illegally-possessed firearms.
Gomez also initiated a large-scale investigation that, paired with the work of the Organized Crime Unit, resulted in a widespread drug conspiracy case that led to the indictment of 22 members or associates of the Gangster Disciples, a well-known street gang.
Additionally, Gomez’s efforts to develop positive, mutually beneficial relationships in the community paid dividends on multiple occasions in 2022, including in one such case that led to the safe apprehension of an individual who was wanted on charges that included aggravated assault and aggravated stalking.
In addition to his uncommon contributions as a member of CERT, Gomez also served on the department’s Mobile Field Force and as a Field Training Officer. Gomez also utilized his training in forensics to assist whenever needed. That included photographs, confiscations and inventory of items for CERT investigations to reduce the burden on the Forensics Unit. Gomez is also a fluent Spanish-speaking officer, and he assisted patrol officers and investigators as needed in that capacity.
In his nomination form, it was said that “Officer Gomez was selflessly committed to making the unit better through assisting his fellow officers with their investigations, helping train his fellow officers to utilize investigative tools he was familiar with, and taking on tasks anytime supervisors gave him assignments.”
It was also stated that, “While being assigned to CERT, Officer Gomez went above and beyond his required duties to provide excellent service to the citizens of Knoxville. I believe the reach and scope of his efforts have affected those beyond our city limits as well.”
Officer of the Year – Austin Jordan
Jordan has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 2018 and is currently assigned to the Organized Crime Unit.
Jordan, like Officer Gomez, was nominated for 2022 Officer of the Year recognition based on his exceptional, sustained efforts as a member of the Community Engagement Response Team.
Jordan’s self-initiated work led directly to a number of arrests of violent offenders. That was highlighted by the arrest of Darius Smith. On March 31, 2022, officers responded to a home on Leon Drive to investigate the disappearance of Justin Goins. There was evidence of foul play on scene and officers were able to develop a vehicle of interest. The next day, on April 1, officers received an alert that the vehicle had hit on one of the LPR cameras.
Jordan was on his way to work but had not yet began his shift when he started to circulate for the vehicle in the area of the alert. Jordan ultimately located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a stop, but the vehicle fled. After a short pursuit, Smith, who ran from the vehicle, was apprehended. The body of Justin Goins was located inside of the vehicle and Smith was ultimately charged with first-degree murder among other charges.
On June 27, 2022, thanks to his situational awareness and attention to detail, Jordan spotted the suspects of a shooting in the parking lot of a gas station on Western Avenue and took both of them into custody without incident. One of those subjects had outstanding warrants that included attempted first-degree murder. The other was also wanted on an indictment for attempted first-degree murder.
On September 7, 2022, Jordan followed up on an LPR alert in the Walter P. area. That proactive response ultimately led to the arrest of William North, who at the time was wanted on 10 outstanding warrants, including for especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated stalking.
In addition to his contributions to CERT, Jordan also served on the Mobile Field Force, Honor Guard and most recently the Bomb Squad.
In his nomination, it was noted that “Officer Jordan has proven himself to be a leader amongst his peers who requires minimal supervision, and can always be counted on to do the right thing. The combination of Officer Jordan’s positive attitude, proactive nature, commendable law enforcement knowledge base, and his desire to make a difference in his community, make him one of KPD’s top officers, and should definitely be considered for the 2022 Officer of the Year Award.”
Mike Waggoner Leadership Award – Sergeant Phil Major
Veteran Sergeant Phil Major was selected to receive the prestigious Mike Waggoner Leadership Award, which is presented annually to an officer who exhibits strong passion, dedication and thoroughness while inspiring those around them to do the same. Recipients of the award embody all of the characteristics that the Knoxville Police Department wants to instill in future generations of officers.
Sgt. Major has been with the Knoxville Police Department since 1993 and is currently assigned to the Organized Crime Unit as the supervisor of the Drug-Related Death Taskforce.
Sgt. Major has served the KPD in numerous capacities over the course of his career, including as a Cadet, patrol officer, patrol supervisor, Inspections Unit supervisor and the supervisor of the Repeat Offender Squad. He also previously assisted and directed the AAA Safety Patrol Trip to Washington, D.C.
In his nomination, it was noted that Sgt. Major has been a friend and mentor to generations of KPD officers, who have found in him a reliable and trusted source of knowledge and advice.
That nomination went on to say that “Sgt. Major is a calming influence in even the most stressful situation. He has been asked to perform many different functions throughout his career. He has approached them all with a positive attitude and met them with the best of his abilities. He is a representative of the Knoxville Police Department at its best. Sgt. Major is truly a leader that lets his actions speak louder than his words.”
Employee of the Year – Becky Kreisa
Becky Kreisa has served the Knoxville Police Department for over 20 years, and currently serves as the Executive Assistant to Chief of Police Paul Noel.
Kreisa was nominated based on the dedicated, professional and respectful manner in which she approaches all of her daily tasks, which includes the difficult logistical task of managing the Chief’s schedule. Kreisa also manages the Chief’s Office phone lines and represents the KPD in an extremely professional manner. Additionally, Kreisa is responsible for the distribution of important, time-sensitive department-wide communications from the Chief’s Office.
Kreisa also serves as a central point of contact for vendors, facility management and other city departments when the Chief’s Office is planning or overseeing events. In 2022, she played an essential role in the planning and execution of numerous significant public events, including the swearing-in ceremony for Chief Noel, possibly the largest promotional ceremony in department history and the annual Christmas luncheon.
Kreisa was also commended for her sharp organizational and communication skills, willingness to help, and consistent, steadying presence in the Chief’s Office.
In her nomination for Employee of the Year, it was said that “In her almost 23 years with the KPD, Becky has been unyielding in her dedication and commitment to the agency. Among the professional support staff, aside from those working overnight hours in NCIC, Becky is routinely the last one to leave every day. Becky has developed strong relationships with the members of our department, which has helped her earn the trust and respect of her colleagues and excel in her role as the Chief’s Executive Assistant.”
Explorer of the Year – Andrew Beatty
Andrew Beatty was selected as the 2022 Explorer of the Year for his outstanding dedication as the department’s most senior Explorer. Beatty routinely volunteered his time to the City of Knoxville by participating in regular Explorer meetings and assisting with special events throughout the city.
Beatty was quickly placed in a leadership position in the fall of 2022 and has since excelled in that position.
In his nomination for the award, it was said that “Explorer Beatty is extremely dependable and proactive in problem solving with his peers. Explorer Beatty is an asset to the Explorer Post and the department.”
