Updated story: Sevierville, TN (WOKI) – At approximately 4:30 p.m. yesterday, April 23, 2025, Sevierville Police Department officers responded to Hilltop Child Development Center, 1217 Fox Meadows Boulevard in Sevierville, Tennessee in reference to a man reportedly brandishing a firearm in the parking lot and possibly carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint. When SPD officers arrived, they located the suspect in a Jeep parked near the front doors of the child development center. After a brief standoff, he was taken into custody.

Children and staff were present inside the business at the time of this incident, however no one was harmed or injured. No shots were fired by the suspect or police officers. The suspect had two handguns in his possession.

Detectives have learned that the suspect, 27-year old Tyler Dufrene, had allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend on the evening of April 22, 2025 and subsequently released her on April 23. They took her two children to Hilltop Child Development Center during the morning on April 23. On the way to pick up the children that afternoon, he allegedly demanded that she drive him to New Orleans, however she drove to the development center instead and upon arrival ran from the vehicle into the development center. He reportedly followed, with a firearm, into the building but was unable to locate her. Security protocols in place at the development center prevented him from being able to access areas where children were located. He then left the building and carjacked the Jeep at gunpoint.

“The safety and security procedures that the development center had in place may have prevented this incident from becoming an active shooter or hostage situation within the building,” said SPD Chief Joseph Manning. “The actions of the development center staff and quick, decisive response from SPD officers were outstanding.” Chief Manning also thanks the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Hodges for offering their assistance.

Mr. Dufrene has been charged with carjacking, especially aggravated kidnapping, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated domestic assault, and burglary. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

All persons are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Original Story: The Sevierville Police Department says an armed man has been arrested outside of a day care center.

Authorities went to the Hilltop Child Development Center on Fox Meadows Boulevard at around yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) after a 911 call reported a man was in the day care’s parking lot with a gun.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the man near the front door of the day care with a gun, and he was taken into custody without incident.

No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.