Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police Department officials have identified the man hit and killed by a train Monday afternoon in North Knoxville.
The incident happened near E. Inskip Drive and Morton Place Way. Knoxville Police say 33-year-old Dustin Pilkington was struck by a Norfolk Southern train and pronounced dead at the scene.
The train was going south when the operators spotted Pilkington walking on the tracks. The operators reportedly blew the horn and put on the brakes, but were unable to stop the train before striking him.
The investigation into Pilkington’s death remains ongoing at this time.
KPD said the incident happened in the area of E. Inskip Drive and Morton Place Way. (Courtesy: KPD)
Greeneville, TNJ (WOKI) The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating after a man who launched a boat into the Nolichucky River on Friday has been found dead.
TWRA says the body of 32-year-old Boone McCrary of Greeneville was recovered Tuesday afternoon from a creek feeding into the Nolichucky River near W. Allen’s Bridge Road in Greeneville.
McCrary, accompanied by a woman and a labrador retriever, launched the boat into the river near Bird’s Bridge just after 7:00 p.m. on Friday when it was then swept into the bridge and capsized.
TWRA says the woman was safely rescued, but McCrary, his dog and the boat were swept downstream in the raging river current.
The boat and dog were located Sunday afternoon and retrieved by TWRA wildlife officers, but officials said the dog did not survive.
“TWRA offers prayers and condolences to McCrary’s family and loved ones,” officials said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Officials said a woman was also on the boat when it capsized, but she was safely rescued.(Courtesy: TWRA)
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Officials with the National Park Service delivering some welcome news Tuesday afternoon as Hurricane Helene recovery continues in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
NPS says it will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to allow for access between TN and NC communities.
Once US 441 reopens, all major roads, trails and facilities on the Tennessee-side of the park will be open to visitors. Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) will also open Wednesday.
According to the park service, several local communities including Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as well as Cherokee in North Carolina, are fully open to those who can access them through safe routes.
The park service is still urging visitors to plan their trips as emergency services are stretched thin and response times may be delayed.
In addition, the following park closures remain in place: Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Lakeview Drive. The Oconaluftee and Kuwohi visitor centers are also closed.
The park service also reminds motorists that Commercial vehicles are always prohibited on US 441/Newfound Gap Road and in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with the exception of the Spur). While the NPS recognizes that major routes outside the park are currently closed, park roads are not structurally designed to sustain traffic from heavy vehicles. Commercial vehicles will be turned away.
As always, consult the park website for additional information and updates.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reopen Wednesday. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert out of Sevier County for 55-year-old Autumn Hackney.
TBI officials say Hackney was last seen on Monday in the area of Villa Court in Dandridge.
They say she has a medical condition that may impair her ability to return home safely without assistance and is believed to be traveling in a white 2021 Toyota 4Runner with Tennessee tag 70NPD1.
TBI encourages anyone with information to call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at 865-774-3943 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
TBI issues Silver Alert for Autumn Hackney, 55. (Courtesy: TBI)
McMinn County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 10/1/24: The final suspect in an attempted home invasion last month in McMinn County has been taken into custody.
Officials with the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office say 28-year-old Benjamin Croft was apprehended Monday, September 30 following an extended standoff at a home in Athens.
MCSO says Croft faces numerous charges including Aggravated Burglary related to the attempted break-in of a home on County Road 651 on September 12; he is being held at the McMinn County Jail.
Three other men accused of the attempted home invasion were arrested previously and are also facing aggravated burglary and other charges.
UPDATE 9/16: One suspect remains on the run following an attempted home invasion Thursday night in McMinn County.
Police say one man waited outside while three armed men were trying to break into a home on County Road 651; the homeowner locked herself in the bathroom with a gun after confronting them.
Three suspects are now in custody; John Barnes turned himself into police late Sunday night while the search for 28-year-old Benjamin Croft continues.
Croft is facing aggravated robbery charges.
ORIGINAL STORY: Two people are arrested while deputies continue to search for two other suspects after an attempted home invasion in McMinn County.
Police say three armed men were trying to break into a home on County Road 651 Thursday night, the homeowner locked herself in the bathroom with a gun.
Two responding officers found a car outside and arrested the driver, Marcus Bradford, who matched the description of one of the home invaders.
“The female homeowner was understandably upset. She stated that there were two white males and a black male that kicked her door in and began pointing rifles at her demanding for her to give them her jewelry. She stated that she yelled for them to leave and then retreated into her room to retrieve a firearm and that all three males then fled the scene. The victim gave good descriptions of all the suspects, and based on other evidence the officers found, they were able to positively identify all of them.” Sheriff Joe Guy
Bradford told deputies that he drove the other suspects there and dropped them off. He then told them that they left their wallets and phones in his car, according to Guy.
Deputies searched the nearby area and found another suspect, Daniel Velasuez, walking down the road.
They were both taken to the McMinn County Justice Center.
Deputies identified the other two suspects as Benjamin Scott Croft and John Percy Barnes. They both face aggravated robbery charges.
Sheriff Guy said on Saturday Croft was last seen in McMinn County, while Barnes was last seen in Bradley County. Both suspects are still on the run.
Bradford was charged with accessory to aggravated robbery, possession of Schedule 2 cocaine, possession of Schedule 2 suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $100,000.
Velasquez was charged with aggravated robbery and being held on a $80,000 bond.
McMinn County deputies continue to search for suspect, 28-year-old Benjamin Croft, after an attempted home invasion Thursday. (Courtesy: McMinn County Sheriff’s Office)
“SPIRITS OF OLD GRAY” EVENT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 — 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM CEMETERY TOURS, KNOXVILLE HISTORY, FOOD AND FUN!
Established in 1850, Old Gray Cemetery, one of the oldest garden cemeteries in Tennessee, is pleased to announce the return of its popular annual “Spirits” event!
Take a peaceful leisurely stroll among the aged shady trees on the historic property of Old Gray Cemetery at 543 North Broadway Street in Knoxville, Tennessee, October 27, 2024, from 3PM to 6PM.
Enjoy live reenactors telling the tales of those buried there, as well as guided tours, food trucks, bagpipe music, and other vendors. Learn about the area’s precious history in a unique way. A wonderful experience for any age or physical ability.
Admission is $5 ages 10 and above, cash or credit cards welcome. No reservations. Come rain or shine! Parking at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Volunteer Ministries Center and other nearby parking lots.
Old Gray Cemetery is a non-profit organization and arboretum that maintains and promotes the historical area. We hope you will join us for the fun and spread the word! For more information go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oldgraycemetery www.oldgraycemetery.org/spirits-of-old-gray email: [email protected].
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Mission of Hope, and Knoxville Wholesale Furniture have teamed up to host a canned food drive this Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knoxville Wholesale Furniture Clearance Center, located at 7428 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
“This food drive is an opportunity for our community to come together and support our neighbors who are facing challenging circumstances,” said Mayor Jacobs.
The event will accept only canned goods, bottled waters, and non-perishable items. Please check expiration dates before donating. Mayor Jacobs and other volunteers will be on-site to collect donations and ensure that all contributions are properly distributed to the flood victims.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference,” Mayor Jacobs added.
Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is holding a Flood Relief event for those affected by flooding in East Tennessee. You can see the items needed and they also need volunteers.
The Tennessee Department of Health confirms there have been more “weather-related” fatalities in East Tennessee.
TEMA says there has been one death in Knox County in addition to one in Johnson County, three in Unicoi County and one in Washington County and two deaths in Cocke County.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says there are more than 100 people missing in areas impacted by flooding. As of yesterday (Monday), there are 60 people missing in Carter County, 30 people in Johnson County, 10 people in Unicoi County and two people in Johnson County.
