KPD says Motorcyclist Passes Away Following Washington Pike Crash

KPD says Motorcyclist Passes Away Following Washington Pike Crash

A motorcyclist who was involved in a crash that happened on Sunday evening has died as a result of his injuries.

At around 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Washington Pike and Greenway Drive in front of the Target, where a Harley motorcycle had struck a Chevy SUV. The motorcycle driver, a 51-year-old man, was transported to the UT Medical Center with critical injuries. The victim passed away at UTMC on Wednesday night.

The investigation revealed that the Chevy SUV turned left into the path of the motorcycle, which subsequently struck the SUV. The driver was then thrown into the roadway. The light was green for both the Chevy SUV and motorcycle. Speed or alcohol were also not believed to be contributing factors.  

The driver and two passengers in the Chevy sustained minor injuries in the crash. The driver has since been cited for failure to yield. No additional charges have been filed at this time.

The investigation is being led by KPD crash reconstruction personnel. Upon the completion of the investigation, the case file will be turned over to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Knox County Seeks Input on East Knox County Mobility Study

Knox County Seeks Input on East Knox County Mobility Study

Knox County will host two public information meetings to seek community input on the East Knox Mobility Study. These meetings will help identify key transportation challenges, set priorities, and shape the final recommendations for the study.  

The first public information meeting is on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carter High School. The second meeting is on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gibbs Middle School. Both meetings will discuss the same material.

The public is invited to share their comments virtually via the project website. Feedback is requested in three areas: a public survey, interactive map for transportation concerns and ideas, and an interactive map for project feedback. Each area is designed to gather specific types of information that will help guide our planning process. To participate in the online survey, visit https://engagecdmsmith.com/east-knox-county-mobility/survey.

About the Study: The East Knox County Mobility Study is a community-focused initiative designed to enhance transportation planning for the Gibbs, Corryton, Ritta, Strawberry Plains, and Mascot areas. This study will support the new Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan. The study will integrate transportation best practices and consider all modes of travel. More information on the study can be found at https://engagecdmsmith.com/east-knox-county-mobility.

Two Charged Following Organized Crime Unit Operation to Assist Alabama Shooting Investigation

Two Charged Following Organized Crime Unit Operation to Assist Alabama Shooting Investigation

This past weekend, Knoxville Police Department Organized Crime Unit detectives received information that a subject who was possibly involved in a shooting that happened in Alabama was in the Knoxville area. The subject was identified as Abdul Khalil’Llah, 26 of Anniston, Alabama. OCU detectives were able to determine that Khalil’Llah was wanted out of Georgia for failure to appear on a previous felon in possession of a weapon charge.  

On Monday, October 28, 2024, OCU detectives were able to track Khalil’Llah to an AirBnB at 103 Greenbrier Drive, where he and another male were observed entering a vehicle and leaving. The vehicle was eventually stopped in a parking lot near S. Northshore Drive and Baum Drive, where Khalil’Llah and his passenger, Varrenzo Bradford, 26 of Statham, Georgia, were detained. Bradford was found to be in possession of a Glock handgun, methamphetamine, and cocaine. In the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Bradford was also a convicted felon.  

Detectives then obtained a search warrant for the home at 103 Greenbrier Drive, which was executed later that day. When the search warrant was executed, a man and woman were found in the home and detained. Neither were charged.

During the search, detectives located two additional firearms and a drum magazine. Khalil’Llah was charged with fugitive from justice for the outstanding warrant out of Georgia. Bradford was charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony. OCU detectives were assisted throughout the day by agents with the A.T.F.

On Tuesday, investigators from Alabama came to Knoxville, where OCU detectives and A.T.F. agents assisted in follow-up investigation and interviews.

Additional charges are pending from the stop and search warrant on Monday, while the investigation into the shooting in Alabama is continuing.

Halloween Safety Tips
Morristown Police Dept

Halloween Safety Tips

The Morristown Police Department enjoyed interacting with all sorts of superheroes, witches, ghosts and many more characters at Boo Fest on Monday. Since Boo Fest is over, that means Halloween is just two days away! Thursday, October 31st our community will see an increase in traffic and pedestrians on sidewalks, in neighborhoods and some stopping on roadways. The Morristown Police Department (MPD) would like to keep this a fun evening for everyone by helping families prepare for the night:

Motorists

· Adjust your speed to accommodate pedestrian traffic.

· Watch for children darting out from parked cars and walking in the roadways, medians, and curbs.

· Watch for children when entering and exiting driveways.

· Watch for children in dark clothing.

· Make sure everyone is buckled up in a moving vehicle.

· Make sure children exit the vehicle on the curb, away from traffic.

Parents

· Make sure an adult or older responsible youth will be accompanying children under the age of 12.

· Plan and discuss trick-or-treat routes.

· Establish a return time.

· Teach children to only stop at homes or apartments that are well-lit, and to never enter a stranger’s home.

· Children should walk on sidewalks, not on the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side facing traffic. They should not run or go through yards where there could be unseen objects or terrain that could cause falls.

· Bags or sacks carried should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.

· Children walking should carry flashlights, this will help them see and be seen better.

· Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group.

· Make sure your children know not to eat candy until it is inspected.

· Inspect all candy; when in doubt, throw it out.

If all safety tips are followed, this should be a great night for the entire family.

Tomorrow is Final Day to Early Vote in 2024 Presidential and Federal / General Election, Numbers and Voting Location Tips

Tomorrow is Final Day to Early Vote in 2024 Presidential and Federal / General Election, Numbers and Voting Location Tips

Early voting wraps up tomorrow (Thursday) for the 2024 Presidential and Federal / General Election in Tennessee the Knox County Election Commission says a few of the early voting locations aren’t seeing long lines if you still need to cast your ballot.

The Gibbs Ruritan Club, the newest polling location in Knox County, is seeing shorter lines than the Downtown West location which is seeing longer lines and some voters say they’ve waited in line more than hour there but it moves efficiently.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State website, Knox County is still below 40% voter turnout through early voting which runs through tomorrow. (Thursday)

Early voting data for Tennessee shows over one million seven hundred thousand votes have been cast during early voting.

This number is through Monday with the estimated turnout just over 35%.

By comparison through 11 days of early voting more voters turned out in 2020 but fewer in 2016.

Election day is November 5th.

Here is a link to view full report below: https://sos.tn.gov/elections/services/early-voting-data

Early Voting Turnout through October 28, 2024

Total Votes CastEstimated Turnout
1,875,29838.85%
In-Person Early VotesAbsentee By-Mail Votes
1,801,16274,131

Map

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WXZy9/6/

Turnout by County

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aJwXw/1/

Download totals by county: PDF | XLSX

Comparisons

  20242020Difference% ChangeCounties Ahead
Day 12 (Tuesday)Early159,552147,14712,4058.43%71
Absentee3,3007,004(3,704)(52.88%)40
Total162,854154,1518,7035.65%72
Through 12 DaysEarly1,801,1621,766,98834,1741.93%76
Absentee74,131195,939(121,808)(62.17%)1
Total1,875,2981,962,927(87,629)(4.46%)56
       
  20242016Difference% ChangeCounties Ahead
Day 12 (Tuesday)Total162,854110,66752,18747.16%95
Through 12 DaysTotal1,875,2981,403,054472,24433.66%94

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/irVhF/1/

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/86g43/1/

Download a comparison to how this year’s overall turnout compares to 2020 and 2016.

State Investigation Claims Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in Oliver Springs

State Investigation Claims Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in Oliver Springs

Oliver Springs, TN (WOKI) Oliver Springs’ chief wastewater operator is now facing charges after an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

According to the office, Travis Thrasher has been charged and indicted for official misconduct and theft for reportedly using more than $3,400 taxpayer dollars to buy personal items, including tires, gas and more.

Thrasher resigned from his position on September 13; officials say he paid the town a check covering the money he’d spent as “repayment.”

The investigation also revealed that the comptroller’s office had identified another, roughly, $3,000 in “questionable” purchases from town employees to include items such as food, auto parts, gift cards and more that were not properly documented.

“Our investigators identified a number of deficiencies within the town’s operations that must be corrected,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “These include adopting a written credit card policy, maintaining invoices for purchases, and establishing more control over gift cards. The town must also enforce its disconnect policies for water and wastewater service and reconcile bank statements to its general ledger each month.”

The comptroller’s office’s latest investigation centers on Travis Thrasher. (Courtesy: Tennessee Comptroller’s Office)
TDOT Opens Section of I-26 in Unicoi County after Helene Flooding

TDOT Opens Section of I-26 in Unicoi County after Helene Flooding

Erwin, TN (WOKI) Thousands of tons of asphalt and rock later and in just 33 days, connectivity is restored to a small East Tennessee town as a portion of I-26 is reopened Wednesday in Unicoi County.

The small town of Erwin relies on major roads like I-26. Speaking to media Wednesday, Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley highlighted why getting this portion open was so important.

“The reality is, this means so much more than the assets that we’re putting in to the ground,” Eley said. “This is about community. This is about connectivity. This is about making sure that our people in this community and those around are able to access the basic needs that they’re trying to get to.”

Eley said one lane of I-26, in each direction, in Erwin is now open to non-commercial traffic. Commercial traffic is still being rerouted to I-81 and I-77. Additionally, wide loads over 12 feet still are not permitted on the interstate.

TDOT officials added crews used more than 5,000 tons of asphalt and 33,000 tons of rock to repair the bridge around exit 37.

Wednesday’s reopening comes after September flooding from Hurricane Helene closed almost 50 thoroughfares across East Tennessee.

TDOT officials give an update on Helene-damaged I-26 in Erwin, Tennessee. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Dollywood Offers Sevier County Residents $5 Tickets

Dollywood Offers Sevier County Residents $5 Tickets

Pigeon Forge, TN (WOKI) Sevier County residents and workers have a chance to get into Dollywood next month for a hefty discount.

The park’s Sevier County Days returns, allowing those who live or work in Sevier County to enter the park for a $5 donation to Sevier County nonprofits.

“Our area non-profits take great care of our community each and every day, but as Christmas approaches, the demand for their services increases,” said Carol Agee, Dollywood Community Affairs and Philanthropy Manager. “Sevier County Days is one way we are able to partner with them to help provide what they need during this critical time of the year. It is important for us and others in the community to provide support. As always, we encourage families in difficult situations to visit the area nonprofits for the assistance they may need.”

All people have to do is stop by a Dollywood ticket booth with their Sevier County ID or a paycheck stub from their job, proving they live or work in the county.

As a bonus for making the donation, the Sevier County Days ticket receives full upgrade value toward the purchase of a 2025 season pass.

Sevier County Days run Nov. 1 through Nov. 10.

Dollywood offers Sevier County residents $5 tickets. (Courtesy: Kyle Grainger, WVLT)
15-Year-Old Suspect in Powell Murder Investigation to Have Status Hearing

15-Year-Old Suspect in Powell Murder Investigation to Have Status Hearing

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The 15-year-old suspect in an ongoing Powell murder investigation appeared in court for the third time Tuesday.

Malakiah Harris is facing a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 13-year-old girl who was found one week ago on a trail off of Cranley Road.

According to court records, Harris met with the girl some time the night before, then stabbed her multiple times with a pocket knife, killing her.

The suspect’s appearance Tuesday was brief with the court scheduling a status hearing for Harris next Monday, November 4.

Harris has a court appointed attorney and is being held in custody until his trial.

Tuesday marked the suspect’s third court appearance. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Alcoa Fire Department Addressing Emergency Phone Alerts Sent During Ammonia Chemical Leak
AFD

Alcoa Fire Department Addressing Emergency Phone Alerts Sent During Ammonia Chemical Leak

The Alcoa Fire Department continues to clear up misinformation surrounding a chemical spill at the US Foods facility after many residents say they did not receive an emergency alert from authorities.

Several residents say they didn’t get a notification and it concerns them and hope the issue is corrected.

AFD says alerts were sent Friday night to those in the Alcoa community by the Hyper-Reach system not the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) system.

Alcoa’s Hyper-Reach system does not use geo-tagging technology to send alerts, like IPAWS does. Instead, it uses public information like utility accounts to identify who gets an alert.

Alcoa city officials ordered a shelter in place following the leak Friday night.

The City of Alcoa Fire Department along with a hazmat trailer were taking readings with meters in the area and they never got readings outside of the plant facilities. They say the road closure was a precaution and at no time was the public in danger.

A drone video showed a valve malfunction and after the valves were shut off, the shelter in place order was lifted.

When the liquid is released, it turns to vapor so no cleanup that has to be done, unlike an oil spill or gas fuel leak.

No injuries were reported.