Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Six people are injured, and an investigation is underway following a multi-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park officials say three non-commercial vehicles were involved in the crash around 2:00 p.m. at mile marker 12 on Newfound Gap Road.
They say two people were transported via ambulance to LeConte Medical Center, and the other four reportedly planned to self-transport to hospitals for evaluation.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and US 441/Newfound Gap Road was temporarily closed Sunday during the incident, officials said.
Park rangers responded to the three-car crash on Sunday, officials said. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation results in the indictment of a former Sullivan County deputy court clerk on felony charges.
TBI agents began investigating allegations of misconduct involving Valerie L. Greene and determined while she was working as a deputy court clerk, she used her position on two different occasions to unlawfully access electronic court records in an effort to seal documents related to her own criminal history.
The Sullivan County Grand Jury returned a 10-count indictment, charging Greene with two counts of tampering with governmental records, two counts of violation of the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act of 2003, and six counts of official misconduct.
Greene was booked at the Sullivan County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that after a thorough investigation, a former Sullivan County deputy court clerk has been indicted on felony charges. (File: Frankly Media)
UPDATE: Ariran Burks, 34, has been identified as the suspect from the shooting that happened on Friday, October 11 in the 4600 block of Chapman Highway, which critically injured a 24-year-old woman.
Burks has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault.
Burks, who was last known to reside in the Walter P. Taylor Homes area, is not in custody at this time and efforts remain ongoing to locate him.
Anyone with information concerning Burks’ whereabouts is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.
Knoxville Police Department detectives are pursuing active leads in an ongoing investigation into a Chapman Highway shooting that critically injured a woman.
At around 5 p.m. today, October 11, 2024, KPD officers responded to the area of the Casey’s convenience store in the 4600 block of Chapman Highway to investigate a reported shooting.
Officers arrived on scene and located a woman outside of her car who had been shot at least one time. The victim, age 24, was transported to the UT Medical Center with critical injuries.
Responding officers quickly learned that the suspect left the scene in a black SUV, which was found unoccupied at the Executive Inn on Chapman Highway.
Efforts remain ongoing to locate the suspect. Detectives are working strong leads.
Additional information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Despite defeating the Florida Gators 23-17 in overtime on Saturday, the latest AP Poll has the Vols falling three spots from No. 8 to No. 11 in the country.
Texas, Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State and Georgia round out the top five teams with Alabama still at number seven.
The Vols take on the Crimson Tide Saturday in Neyland Stadium with kick-off set at 3:30. You can listen on Cumulus Knoxville stations WIVK or WNML.
Smokey taking a run down the field during a Vols football game.
The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured a man in the 3700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue on Sunday night.
At around 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th, KPD officers responded to the area of MLK Jr. Avenue and Lakeside Street, where a man had been shot in the leg. The victim’s injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
The victim reported that he was outside of his home when the occupants of two different passing vehicles were shooting at each other. The victim was struck by the gunfire.
Following continued investigation, officers located one of the vehicles believed to have been involved on Mississippi Avenue and detained both occupants for questioning. Officers are still working to identify the other involved vehicle, which is possibly a dark gray SUV.
The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165.
The Knoxville Fire Department on a different type of call, not to the scene of a fire and not a cat in the tree.
Saturday afternoon at 1:57 PM, the Knoxville Fire Department was called to an address on Vermont Avenue for a man stuck in a tree.
KFD crews successfully extricated the man from the tree and brought him safely to the ground, approximately 30 feet, within 1 hour of receiving the call.
Initially, the male appeared injured but later refused transport or medical care.
A critical piece of the puzzle in removing the man from the tree was the technical expertise of the KFD crew on the scene and the KFD tiller truck. Without this, the man would have likely been stuck for an extended period.
Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, is tomorrow (Monday).
Columbus Day has been an official federal holiday since 1937 to honor explorer Christopher Columbus landing in North America, some states and cities have renamed the holiday Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the culture of Native Americans.
U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq, will remain open and follow a regular schedule on Monday.
Most banks will not be open and USPS will be closed, no regular mail deliveries will be performed but other delivers vary by state.
Federal Reserve banks and their branches will close on Monday.
Tennessee recognizes Columbus Day, but the Governor often moves the holiday to the Friday after Thanksgiving to create a four-day weekend.
The Knox County Criminal Court Clerk’s Offices will be closed on Columbus Day 2024. Knox County Convenience Centers are open on Columbus Day and Knox County Schools are in session today. Knox County Libraries are also open Monday.
Blount County Schools are closed for a Professional Development Day with no students in class Monday.
Knoxville Police Department detectives are investigating after a man was shot on I-40 East near the Holston River Bridge on Saturday evening.
At around 6:55 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, KPD officers responded to the aforementioned location, where a Ford F-150 was crashed in the center median. The driver, a currently unidentified man, was suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the UT Medical Center with critical injuries.
A man who was witnessed running from the truck was located and detained by responding officers. He has since been questioned.
No arrests have been made and the motive for the shooting is unknown at this time.
Detectives are investigating a report that there was an altercation involving the Ford F-150 and the occupants of a white Jeep, which allegedly fled the scene.
Detectives are urging anyone who potentially witnessed an altercation of that nature or with information concerning the shooting to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –Dylan Sampson ran for three touchdowns, including the decisive blow in overtime, as No. 8/9 Tennessee overcame a double-digit third-quarter deficit to stave off Florida, 23-17, on Saturday evening in front of a sold-out Checker Neyland crowd of 101,915.
The Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) trailed 10-0 midway through the third quarter before scoring 17 unanswered points to seize the lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the contest. Florida (3-3, 1-2 SEC) evened it up at 17 with 29 seconds left and came up empty on its first possession in overtime, setting the stage for UT’s first walk-off victory since defeating No. 3/1 Alabama, 52-49, in regulation here on Oct. 15, 2022.
On the game-winning drive, quarterback Nico Iamaleava found tight end Holden Staes for three yards, Sampson carried for eight yards, Iamaleava connected with receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. for 11 yards and Sampson carried for two yards before plowing up the middle for one more to ignite a raucous celebration as well as the orange-hued fireworks launched into the night sky.
Sampson finished the night with 112 yards on a career-high 27 carries. It marked the fifth time in six appearances this year that the junior running back had scored multiple touchdowns on the ground, including the third time he has posted at least three rushing scores.
Defensively, Tennessee came up with big plays at opportune times to prevent the Gators from adding to their lead. Contributing to that effort were a pair of turnovers forced and fourth-down stops, 12 tackles for losses (by 12 players) and three sacks. Safety Christian Charles, LEO Joshua Josephs, STAR Boo Carter and LEO James Pearce Jr. all recorded seven tackles each, with Carter posting a sack and 1.5 TFLs; Joseph 1.5 TFLs and a pass break-up; Pearce a half sack, TFL, forced fumble and fumble recovery; and Charles a TFL. Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott also was credited with 1.5 sacks along with two tackles.
After forcing Tennessee to punt on its second drive of the game, the Gators took possession at their own 49 and drew first blood. They took 10 plays to move to the UT 24 before Vol defensive tackles Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason stuffed running back Jadan Baugh for a four-yard loss on a third-and-one carry. Trey Smack came on and booted a 42-yard field goal with 3:15 remaining to provide Florida a 3-0 lead it would carry into the locker room at the half.
The Vol defense made several crucial plays in the second quarter to end UF drives and keep their team within striking distance. Cornerback Rickey Gibson III dropped receiver Eugene Wilson III on a fourth-and-one jet sweep to end a drive with 8:16 to go at the UT 18. Pearce later wrestled the ball loose from UF quarterback Graham Mertz and recovered to extinguish a threat at the UT one. Then, just before the half, Norman-Lott and Carter sacked Mertz for a 10-yard loss. Due to a penalty-induced runoff, time expired before the Gators were able to salvage a field goal.
Florida padded its lead with 7:18 remaining in the third frame, with Mertz hitting tight end Arlis Boardingham for a 13-yard touchdown reception. Smack’s PAT made the score 10-0 Gators.
The Vols delivered a much-needed offensive response on the next series. Facing a fourth-and one at the Florida six, Sampson burst through the line and spun his way into the end zone to cap an 11-play, 75-yard drive and get the Big Orange on the board. Max Gilbert’s extra point trimmed the deficit to 10-7 with 2:57 to go in the third.
On Florida’s ensuing possession, reserve quarterback DJ Lagway attempted a pass on the first play from scrimmage. UT linebacker Arion Carter was in position to haul in his first career interception, returning it 15 yards to the Gator 20. After the Vols’ drive stalled, Gilbert came on to drill a 35-yard field goal and even the score at 10 with 1:37 to go in the third period.
After the Big Orange defense yet again stymied the Gators, Tennessee got great field possession at the Florida 29 following a 17-yard Jermod McCoy return of a Florida punt out of its own end zone. Two plays later, Sampson scampered 23 yards off right tackle into the checkerboard and gave the Vols their first lead of the night. Gilbert’s PAT made it 17-10 with 9:42 to go.
Facing third and 19, Florida countered with 29 seconds remaining in the game, as Lagway found receiver Chimere Dike open across the middle for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Smack’s PAT evened the score at 17, and that’s the way regulation play ended.
Florida got the ball first in overtime and came up empty on its possession, as Smack’s 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. The Vols, however, made their opportunity count, as Sampson punctuated a five-play drive with a one-yard plunge to send the Tennessee fans home happy.
UP NEXT Tennessee is back at home next weekend on the 19th of the month, as #7/7 Alabama comes to Rocky Top for the traditional “third Saturday in October” showdown. The game is slated to kick at 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.
UPDATE: Residents can safely return to the area that was evacuated while trained Bomb Squad technicians worked to safely dispose of a large amount of commercial grade explosives and blast caps that were found inside of a steel box on Mynderse Avenue Thursday afternoon.
The evacuation was lifted at 10 p.m. on Friday night after technicians completely cleared the contents of the box and rendered them safe. The explosives were soaked in diesel fuel and burned, while the blast caps were taken to a safe location and detonated.
The response was led by the KPD Bomb Squad and drone team members with support and assistance from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Nashville Police Department Bomb Squads, the Knoxville Fire Department, AMR, Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and City of Knoxville Traffic Engineering and Public Service.
No injuries were reported, including to any Bomb Squad technicians or first responders.
Attached are drone photos captured from the scene, which includes initial photos of the box as well as Bomb Squad technicians removing the explosives by hand. The full resolution images can be found on the KPD social media channels.
UPDATE: Earlier this morning, an explosive ordnance robot was deployed to get a sample of the suspected explosives found inside of a box at CMC Recycling on Thursday afternoon.
The sample tested positive for ammonium nitrate, as confirmed by lab scientists at Quantico, which is consistent with dynamite.
Currently, Bomb Squad technicians are actively working to remove the dynamite from the box and safely dispose of it. In order to dispose of dynamite, technicians will methodically remove it from the box, douse the dynamite in diesel fuel, and burn it.
Those efforts are being supported by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Nashville Police Department Bomb Squads, including advanced MNPD robotic equipment.
It was initially reported that the box contained around 200 sticks of dynamite. Technicians have not yet verified how many pieces of dynamite are in the box.
There is no evidence to suggest that the box was left on the site maliciously or with criminal intent. CMC Recycling is a metal recycling facility that purchases material to be salvaged. The box, which was locked and unmarked, was on the site for at least several days. On Thursday, CMC Recycling was using a torch to salvage the box when they unintentionally set the box on fire and discovered the dynamite.
The box is no longer smoldering or emitting smoke.
The evacuation zone will remain in place until Bomb Squad technicians have completely disposed of the contents of the box and it is deemed safe to return to the area.
That work is expected to continue into tonight and potentially into tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
UPDATE: The evacuations prompted by the suspected explosive material that was found on Mynderse Avenue on Thursday afternoon is expected to remain in effect through the remainder of the night and potentially into Friday night.
Residents living within an approximately 3,000-square foot perimeter of CMC Recycling located at 2706 Mynderse Avenue have been implored to evacuate. Residents are strongly urged to stay away from the evacuation zone until it has been deemed safe to return.
KPD Bomb Squad personnel will remain on scene throughout the night.
The explosive material was found inside an approximately 5×5 steel box that is actively emitting smoke. It is suspected that the box contains a large amount of dynamite, though that has not yet been confirmed.
KPD NEWS RELEASE: Evacuations Ordered Due to Suspected Explosives
Residents within a 3,000-foot radius of suspected explosives that were found on Mynderse Avenue have been ordered to evacuate.
At around 2:15 p.m. today, Knoxville Police Department and Knoxville Fire Department personnel responded to CMC Recycling at 2706 Mynderse Avenue on a report that employees had discovered an approximately 5×5 steel box that contained suspected dynamite and was smoking.
KPD and KFD personnel closed Western Avenue between Texas Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue and immediately evacuated businesses in the immediate area.
KPD Bomb Squad technicians arrived at the scene and conducted an initial assessment of the box with the use of the drone. That assessment did not with complete certainty positively identify the contents of the box. However, based on that initial assessment and out of an abundance of caution, Bomb Squad technicians believe the box does contain explosives.
KPD and KFD officials have subsequently ordered an evacuation within an approximately 3,000-foot radius of the suspected explosives.
Efforts to evacuate the impacted area remain ongoing. Those efforts are being led by KPD and KFD with the assistance of Tennessee Highway Patrol deputies.
The Jacob Building has been established as an emergency shelter for residents who were ordered to evacuate.
Western Avenue remains closed between Pleasant Ridge Road and Massachusetts Avenue. The closure is expected to remain in place for an extended amount of time.
There is no evidence to suggest foul play or that the box was left on site maliciously. It is believed that employees were sorting through material when they discovered the box and attempted to open it. They called 9-1-1 immediately after seeing the contents.
Posted on October 14, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Six people are injured, and an investigation is underway following a multi-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park officials say three non-commercial vehicles were involved in the crash around 2:00 p.m. at mile marker 12 on Newfound Gap Road. They say two people were transported via ambulance…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 14, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation results in the indictment of a former Sullivan County deputy court clerk on felony charges. TBI agents began investigating allegations of misconduct involving Valerie L. Greene and determined while she was working as a deputy court clerk, she used her position on two different…… Continue Reading
UPDATE: Ariran Burks, 34, has been identified as the suspect from the shooting that happened on Friday, October 11 in the 4600 block of Chapman Highway, which critically injured a 24-year-old woman. Burks has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault. Burks, who was last known to reside…… Continue Reading
Despite defeating the Florida Gators 23-17 in overtime on Saturday, the latest AP Poll has the Vols falling three spots from No. 8 to No. 11 in the country. Texas, Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State and Georgia round out the top five teams with Alabama still at number seven. The Vols take on the Crimson…… Continue Reading
The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured a man in the 3700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue on Sunday night. At around 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th, KPD officers responded to the area of MLK Jr. Avenue and Lakeside Street, where a man had been shot in the leg. The…… Continue Reading
The Knoxville Fire Department on a different type of call, not to the scene of a fire and not a cat in the tree. Saturday afternoon at 1:57 PM, the Knoxville Fire Department was called to an address on Vermont Avenue for a man stuck in a tree. KFD crews successfully extricated the man from…… Continue Reading
Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, is tomorrow (Monday). Columbus Day has been an official federal holiday since 1937 to honor explorer Christopher Columbus landing in North America, some states and cities have renamed the holiday Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the culture of Native Americans. U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange…… Continue Reading
Knoxville Police Department detectives are investigating after a man was shot on I-40 East near the Holston River Bridge on Saturday evening. At around 6:55 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, KPD officers responded to the aforementioned location, where a Ford F-150 was crashed in the center median. The driver, a currently unidentified man, was suffering…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Read Online | Box Score (XML) | Final Book (PDF) | Postgame Notes | Postgame Quotes | Download Video | Download Media Photos KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Dylan Sampson ran for three touchdowns, including the decisive blow in overtime, as No. 8/9 Tennessee overcame a double-digit third-quarter deficit to stave off Florida, 23-17, on Saturday evening in front of a sold-out Checker Neyland crowd of 101,915. The Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC)…… Continue Reading
UPDATE: Residents can safely return to the area that was evacuated while trained Bomb Squad technicians worked to safely dispose of a large amount of commercial grade explosives and blast caps that were found inside of a steel box on Mynderse Avenue Thursday afternoon. The evacuation was lifted at 10 p.m. on Friday night after technicians…… Continue Reading
