Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit Investigates Two Connected Deadly Shootings; Person of Interest Detained After High-Speed Chase
A devastating incident occurred on Saturday morning, May 18, 2024, when the Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit responded to two deadly shootings near downtown Knoxville. The shootings, strongly suspected of being connected, resulted in the loss of two lives and a high-speed chase that ended with the detention of a person of interest.
At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, KPD officers responded to Anderson Automotive and Towing on Cooper Street to investigate a shooting with a victim. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the UT Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that the victim was responding to an alarm at the business when he encountered the suspect and was shot. The suspect then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle, a black Kia Sorento.
Shortly after officers arrived at the scene of the shooting at Anderson Automotive, they received a call concerning a gunshot victim in the 400 block of N. Broadway. Officers responded to the area and located a man who had been shot at least one time. The victim was transported to the UT Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Multiple possible witnesses were found on scene and are being interviewed by Homicide Unit detectives. Detectives believe the shooting on N. Broadway is directly connected to the shooting that preceded it at Anderson Automotive.
In the course of the investigation, officers located the stolen Kia Sorento and attempted to stop it, but the driver did not stop. Officers lost sight of the vehicle in the Dandridge Avenue area but were able to locate it parked at a home on Morningside Drive. Officers found and detained the driver nearby.
The detained individual is considered a person of interest in both shootings and is currently being questioned by Homicide Unit detectives. Both investigations remain ongoing, and an update will be provided when available.
The community is in shock and mourning the loss of two lives. The Knoxville Police Department is working tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community policing and the need for citizens to come forward with any information that can assist in investigations. The Knoxville Police Department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
The victims’ families and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of the community. May they find strength and solace during this difficult time.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Knoxville Police Department will provide updates as more information becomes available. The community is urged to come forward with any information that can assist in the investigation.
In conclusion, the tragic shootings on Saturday morning have left a profound impact on the community. The Knoxville Police Department’s swift action in detaining a person of interest has brought some solace to the families and friends of the victims, and the community is grateful for their dedication and hard work.
