Knoxville Police have charged a man with multiple counts including first-degree murder and rape following a welfare check at an East Knoxville this (Friday) morning where officers found a man dead inside.
57-year-old Joe Whitaker is also charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and other additional charges after KPD officers responding to the 3100 block of Bellevue Street found that man and two other people, including Whitaker, inside of the home, they were detained.
Further investigation revealed that Whitaker had reportedly stabbed and killed the victim on February 12.
Authorities are investigating after a student is charged with making a possible threat at Jefferson Middle School.
This morning, staff at the school received the call about a threat so School officials along with the School Resource Officer immediately began an investigation.
Investigators with Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson City Police Department assisted in this investigation which resulted in charges being placed on a male student for making a threat of mass destruction on school property.
Officials says at no time, was the safety of students or faculty in jeopardy.
Two Knox County School students are arrested for making threats at two schools.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Crimes Unit took a student at Gibbs Middle School and Powell High School into custody yesterday (Wednesday) for “threats of mass destruction.
Both students were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and officials reiterated that parents should talk to their kids about the seriousness of making threats in an effort to prevent them from happening.
Tennessee’s Hands-free law may come with harsher penalties if a new bill proposed by some Lawmakers becomes law.
It will establish a number of points that may be charged to a person’s driving record after two or more violations of the Hands Free Law.
Lawmakers say adding more consequences to distracted driving will help save lives.
Currently, for the first violation of the Hands Free Law, you can receive a fine of up to $50. With this proposed bill, drivers that accumulate 12 or more points on their driving record within any 12-month period could lose their driving privileges for a period of six to 12 months if they don’t request a hearing.
The Knox County Health Department released the 2022 Knox County High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is designed to track behaviors that negatively affect the physical and mental health of high schoolers. The survey, which is also conducted on a state and nationwide level, focuses on issues such as self-harm and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and weight control and diet. The full report can be found here.
“As one of only a few counties who conduct their own YRBS, we know how important it is to get a glimpse into the major health concerns that affect students in our community,” said KCHD Senior Director Kevin Parton. “With the information from this report, we, along with our partners, can assess current efforts and better determine the resources that students and their families need.”
Several of the findings included in the analysis reflect improving outcomes, such as declines in cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt. However, several of the findings are concerning, especially regarding physical activity, feelings of sadness of hopelessness, and illegal drug use. Several of these key findings can be found in the YRBS “At A Glance”, attached to this media release.
“Supporting the social and emotional well-being of students is an essential part of our work, and this report provides important insight into some of the challenges they face,” said Jason Myers, Assistant Superintendent of Student Success for Knox County Schools.
The 2022 Knox County YRBS was administered in March 2022 and included a sample of ninth through 12th grade students in Knox County Schools. This report is a joint effort between KCHD and Knox County Schools, with support from the Metro Drug Coalition. The YRBS is designed to assist local agencies in planning and policy formation to improve overall health in the county, especially the health of adolescents.
The 2023 Knox County YRBS will be based on input from middle school students; these two age groups are assessed in alternate years.
Knoxville Police are investigating a fatal shooting in West Knoxville.
Officers responding to Badgett Drive near Goins Drive last night (Tuesday) and found 21 year-old Rahleik Garcia, of Johnson City suffering from at least one gunshot wound, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe there are multiple possible suspects who ran from the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
A suspect wanted in a deadly shooting on Hawkins Road in Sweetwater is taken into custody.
The 26 year-old suspect was arrested last night by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and US Marshal’s Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force.
He is facing three counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, the use of firearm during a dangerous felony.
MCSO says there were five victims in Tuesday’s shooting, including a child.
Original Story: One person is dead, a suspect at large being sought by police who are investigating following a multiple shooting in Sweetwater.
Multiple agencies are assisting Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the deadly shooting that happened yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) on Hawkins Road. Authorities are looking for 26 year-old Liu Huerta who is still at large. He has multiple facial tattoos including a heart between the eyebrows.
He may be driving a white 2014 Nissan Altima with a Tennessee tag with tinted windows and a broken drivers side tail lamp.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
A Cocke County Jail inmate is airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center after he attempted to escape.
Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball says 33 year-old Michael Smith was in Sessions Court with six other inmates and got up from the bench “numerous times” to get a tissue yesterday (Monday) afternoon and jumped out the open window.
He fell two stories and landed on his back. He got up and started to run but stopped when he saw a police officer. He did not suffer serious injuries.
