You are here: / / / October

KPD e-News Release: (UPDATE ON PERSON OF INTEREST) K.P.D. Searching for Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card

,
Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: (UPDATE ON PERSON OF INTEREST) K.P.D. Searching for Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card
DATE: October 21, 2016
CASE #: 16-020488 (Theft of Credit Card)

16-020513 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Sonic)

16-020515 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Quality Plus)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 20, 2016, the Kingsport Police Department released a photograph of a person of interest in the theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. The woman shown has since been positively identified after voluntary coming forward and has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Again, she is no longer considered a suspect. Her photograph has been removed from all K.P.D. social media applications, and representatives from traditional media outlets in the area are asked to do likewise.

This case remains an open active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division with the suspect currently unknown. Anyone who has any information which may assist detectives with this investigation is asked to contact the K.P.D Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

As previously released:

On September 2, 2016, an employee of Eastman Chemical Company discovered that two different company credit cards had been stolen from her desk drawer. She realized that the cards were missing after finding fraudulent transactions listed on a monthly credit card statement.

On August 29, 2016, one of the cards was used to conduct fraudulent transactions at two different Kingsport businesses to include a purchase of $1.30 at Sonic, located at 3845 Fort Henry Drive, and a purchase of $38.16 at Quality Plus Gas, located at 841 East Stone Drive. A third fraudulent transaction was conducted at a Roadrunner Market in Gray, TN with a parallel investigation ongoing by law enforcement of that jurisdiction.

A white female suspect was captured on surveillance video during one of the transactions with a photograph taken from that footage included in this release. Anyone who recognizes her is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Searching for Female Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card

,
Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: K.P.D. Searching for Female Suspect in Theft and Fraudulent Use of Company Credit Card
DATE: October 20, 2016
CASE #: 16-020488 (Theft of Credit Card)

16-020513 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Sonic)

16-020515 (Fraudulent Use of CC at Quality Plus)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On September 2, 2016, an employee of Eastman Chemical Company discovered that two different company credit cards had been stolen from her desk drawer. She realized that the cards were missing after finding fraudulent transactions listed on a monthly credit card statement.

On August 29, 2016, one of the cards was used to conduct fraudulent transactions at two different Kingsport businesses to include a purchase of $1.30 at Sonic, located at 3845 Fort Henry Drive, and a purchase of $38.16 at Quality Plus Gas, located at 841 East Stone Drive. A third fraudulent transaction was conducted at a Roadrunner Market in Gray, TN with a parallel investigation ongoing by law enforcement of that jurisdiction.

A white female suspect was captured on surveillance video during one of the transactions with a photograph taken from that footage included in this release. Anyone who recognizes her is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

 

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Hold Retirement Party for K-9 Axyl

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Hold Retirement Party for K-9 Axyl
DATE: October 19, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM, the Kingsport Police Department held a retirement party for K-9 Axyl. Axyl is retiring from active law enforcement duty after eight years of loyal and dedicated service to the K.P.D. K-9 Unit from 2008—2016.

Axyl has been assigned as a partner to his handler, Officer Brian Taylor. A veteran K-9 Handler, Officer Taylor joined the Kingsport Police Department in 1990 and has been assigned to the K-9 Unit since 2004, having previously been partnered with K-9 Zak. Upon his retirement, Axyl will live out his remaining years, likely in a more relaxed style, at the home of Officer Taylor.

Axyl is a nine year old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross and was purchased from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. Shortly after being acquired by K.P.D., Axyl and Officer Taylor attended a 14-week Dual Purpose Basic Police Dog Handler School conducted by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. During the school, they received instruction in Criminal Apprehension, Tracking, Evidence Recovery, Obedience, Agility, and Explosives Detection.

As a team, Axyl and Officer Taylor maintained annual certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA).

During his career, Axyl conducted numerous explosives checks at a variety of locations to include Bristol Motor Speedway, Kingsport’s annual Fun Fest, former President George W. Bush’s airplane, Tri Cities Airport, both the Kingsport and Hawkins County Justice Centers, and numerous area schools and businesses.

The Kingsport Police Department is home to the second oldest K-9 Unit in the State of Tennessee and has three other dog/handler teams to include Officer Billy Boyd and K-9 Reko, Officer David Johnson and K-9 Nim, and Officer Ken Jackson and K-9 Roi.

After dedicating 12 years of his law enforcement career to the K-9 Unit, Officer Taylor will be leaving the K-9 Unit, but he will remain with the Kingsport Police Department in another assignment. K.P.D. is in the process of selecting a new K-9 to replace Axyl as well as a new handler to serve alongside him in the K-9 Unit.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains
DATE: October 19, 2016
CASE #: 16-022641
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 18, 2016 at approximately 6:45 PM, the Kingsport Police Department was alerted to a discovery of human remains. The remains were happened upon by a hiker and were located in a wooded area along the South Fork Holston River Sluice, adjacent to Riverport Road in Kingsport.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the remains will be sent to the Medical Examiner’s office at E.T.S.U.’s Quillen College of Medicine for positive identification and cause of death determination.

The K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division continues to look into the matter; however, due to the active nature of the investigation, and many questions remaining unanswered, no additional details will be released at this time.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Highlighting Heroes - Bill Donoho

Bill Donoho

Highlighting Heroes - Bill Donoho

Kingsport Firefighter Follows In Father’s Footsteps

Bill Donoho has been working for the City of Kingsport for 27 years. Donoho is a fireman, engineer, and paramedic. At a young age, Donoho was inspired to become a firefighter by his father, who helped start the first responder program in the state of Tennessee. Donoho got involved with the medical side, started taking fire training classes, and fell in love with the job.

Donoho risks his safety every day, but still has a strong love for his job. “My favorite part of the job is to be able to help people in need,” stated Donoho in a recent interview.  While the scariest part, according to him, is most obviously going into a fire, but maybe not for the obvious reason. He described going into an active fire as nerve-racking because “you never know what is going to happen, you don’t know what’s there. Most of the time it’s like running in with blinders on. You never know what you’re going to run into.” Donoho states he’s had many close calls while on the job, and has even fallen through floorboards and had debris fall on top of him. Donoho, however, just considers this all part of his job, and easily accepts these risks every day that he goes to work.

While he enjoys his work, certain parts are harder than others. Donoho describes the toughest part of his job as the physical and mental fitness required to deal with the job itself. Firemen need to maintain their physical fitness to be able to do their job, but according to Donoho, the mental fitness aspect is even harder. He stated that, for many, the job doesn’t stop when they leave the station; many firefighters take the job home with them. Being a fireman requires not just physical strength, but mental strength as well.

Bill Donoho is a firefighter, engineer, and paramedic for the City of Kingsport, and he is a true hero within his community. Donoho works hard both on and off the clock to help make Kingsport a better, safer place. He not only values his job, but believes in the difference he is making to improve his community and to help those in need.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Missing Person Complaint

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Investigating Missing Person Complaint
DATE: October 18, 2016
CASE #: 16-021640
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is investigating a missing Jonesborough man who was last seen in Kingsport. Johnny Rae Linebaugh was reported missing by his mother on October 6, 2016; however, she has had no contact with him since August 30, 2016.

He was last seen at the John R. Hay House, located at 427 East Sullivan Street in Kingsport, where he was temporarily residing. His mother said that it is very out of character for her son to go this long without communicating with her, so she is naturally concerned for his well-being.

Mr. Linebaugh is a 34 year old white male adult. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build and weighs approximately 230 pounds. He has short brown hair with a receding hair line and hazel eyes.

A photograph of Mr. Linebaugh has been included in this release. Anyone who may know his current whereabouts is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name Johnny Rae Linebaugh
Age 34 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Jonesborough, TN
Hair/

Eyes

 Short Brown Hair with Receding Hair Line/

Hazel Eyes
Height/

Weight/

Build

 5 feet 9 inches

230 Pounds

Medium Build

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (3rd Notice)

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: The City of Kingsport is Currently Accepting Applications for Police Officer (3rd Notice)
DATE: October 17, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
UPDATE: There are only two weeks remaining to apply.

As previously released:

The City of Kingsport Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2016 until October 30, 2016. Individuals 18 years of age or older who are interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to only submit their application once, as weeding out duplicate applications hampers efficiency.

All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kingsport

Following the October 30th deadline, all applicants will receive a confirmation email, as well as a letter by traditional mail, containing further instructions regarding the upcoming police applicant testing procedures. All applicants will undergo a series of assessments, beginning with a written examination on November 15, 2016. Applicants who successfully pass the written examination will advance forward to a physical agility evaluation and ultimately to a series of interviews.

The Kingsport Police Department is hoping to hire at least eight new officers out of this testing process to fill existing vacancies.

The current starting salary for Police Officer Trainee is $15.76 per hour or $32,791 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for a salary adjustment to compensate for prior experience if certain criteria are met. Academy training and all essential equipment including uniforms, firearms, body armor, and duty gear are provided by the department. K.P.D. also issues take-home police cruisers to officers meeting specific residency requirements.

City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement.

For additional information regarding the application process, please call the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department at 423-229-9401. For additional information regarding a law enforcement career at the Kingsport Police Department, please call the K.P.D. Public Information Officer at 423-229-9433.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Combative Hospital Patient Charged With Six Counts of Aggravated Assault

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Combative Hospital Patient Charged With Six Counts of Aggravated Assault
DATE: October 17, 2016
CASE #: 16-022461
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 16, 2016 at approximately 3:30 PM, a Kingsport Police Patrol Officer was called to the Holston Valley Medical Center Emergency Room, located at 130 West Ravine Road in Kingsport, in reference to a patient causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, two E.R. personnel and three Holston Valley security guards were standing outside a treatment room occupied by Daniel R. Jennings.

A nurse told the officer that Mr. Jennings had been disruptive and uncooperative, and once she was able to obtain a urine sample he would be discharged. When the nurse entered the room to collect the sample, Mr. Jennings took an aggressive fighting stance, raised both fists, and threatened to assault her. In response, the K.P.D. Patrol Officer entered the room.

Upon seeing the officer, Mr. Jennings turned his aggression toward him, clinched his fists, and began yelling and cursing him with profanity. When the officer attempted to take him into custody for assault, Mr. Jennings resisted, and a struggle ensued. At some point during the struggle, Mr. Jennings was able to gain control of a Taser electrical weapon carried by one of the security guards.

Mr. Jennings began waving the Taser around in a threatening manner in the direction of six different people in the room. The officer and the security guards were eventually able to subdue Mr. Jennings, disarm him of the Taser, and place him in handcuffs.

Mr. Jennings was arrested for six counts of Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest. He was discharged from the hospital, transported to the Kingsport City Jail for processing, and then forwarded to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville for confinement pending arraignment.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Daniel R. Jennings
Age Date of Birth 3/10/1977

39 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 651 Dale Street

Lee Apartments #6

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Assault (6 Counts)

2) Resisting Arrest

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Kingsport has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

In September, Kingsport was named one of only 121 communities in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities in the US. To receive this recognition, Kingsport had to demonstrate its adaptability to an aging US population. Features such as walkable streets, better housing and transportation and the opportunity for residents to participate in community activities are just a few examples of why Kingsport is a great place for aging residents.

Being a member of the Network of Age-Friendly Communities means Kingsport’s elected leadership has made the commitment to work toward making their community a great place for people of all ages.

“I am proud that Kingsport is the first city in Tennessee to become a part of the Network of Age Friendly Communities,” said National Volunteer Director of AARP Margot Seay. “It shows our great community spirit and will support the initiatives of ONEKingsport.”

According to AARP, the Network of Age-Friendly Communities encourages states, cities, towns and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

“Our livable community continues to create and promote a healthy environment and sustain economic growth to help people of all ages become happier residents,” said Lara Potter, the associate director of Kingsport Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Move to Kingsport has revived the idea of becoming an age-friendly community and has taken the initiative to better Kingsport, not just for the aging population, but for all residents.

In 2009, AARP conducted a Livability Community Survey in Kingsport. With help from Dr. Kathleen Beine, longtime advocate, the survey was a huge success with a 43.6 percent response rate. The overall results from the data showed the median lengthy of residency in Kingsport is 43 years and nearly half of the respondents have lived here over 35 years. Residents felt satisfied with their communities and think Kingsport is a good place for older to adults to live.

For more information on the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, please visit www.aarp.com.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Central Dispatch Personnel Continue to Excel and Impress

,

Kingsport Police Department

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Central Dispatch Personnel Continue to Excel and Impress
DATE: October 13, 2016
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department recently reported that three employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch had achieved their Emergency Number Professional (ENP) Certification. Since that time, another Kingsport Central Dispatch employee has achieved this certification.

Just last week, Richie Hite, Technical Services Coordinator, successfully completed his ENP examination, making him the fourth Kingsport Central Dispatch employee to receive this esteemed designation. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to highlight Richie’s achievement, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on a job well done.

In order to be certified as an ENP, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements that include a combination of experience, education, and professional development in the 9-1-1 field. Candidates then must pass a rigorous examination that demonstrates a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required of emergency number program management.

The ENP program was established by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in 1994 as a way to establish a benchmark of performance for professionals in the 9-1-1 field. There are currently 1,122 ENPs in the United States, but only 48 in the State of Tennessee, 4 of whom are employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch.

As previously released:

Three employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch have recently received State and National recognition for their exemplary performance as 9-1-1 professionals. The Kingsport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to highlight their achievements, thank them for their service, and congratulate them on a job well done.

On September 20, 2016 Nancy Fender, Communications Dispatch Supervisor, was named “Dispatch Supervisor of the Year” by the Tennessee Emergency Numbers Association (TENA) at their annual conference held in Chattanooga, TN. Employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch since 1988, she has also been certified by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) as an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) since 2013.

In addition to Ms. Fender, two other employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch have recently achieved their ENP Certification. Catherine Matt, Communications Specialist, and Christy Swiney, Communications Shift Leader, both achieved their ENP Certification in August 2016. Ms. Matt has been employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch since 2000 and Swiney since 2005.

In order to be certified as an ENP, applicants must first meet eligibility requirements that include a combination of experience, education, and professional development in the 9-1-1 field. Candidates then must pass a rigorous examination that demonstrates a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required of emergency number program management.

“By achieving this certification, these ladies have distinguished themselves as leaders within the 9-1-1 field and displayed their commitment to the citizens of the Kingsport Emergency Communications District and to their chosen profession,” said Lieutenant Steve Hammonds, Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1.

The ENP program was established by NENA in 1994 as a way to establish a benchmark of performance for professionals in the 9-1-1 field. There are currently 1,121 ENPs in the United States, but only 47 in the State of Tennessee, 3 of whom are employed by Kingsport Central Dispatch.

Kingsport Central Dispatch moved into the new 7,500 square foot, state-of-the-art, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center in Downtown Kingsport in October 2015. Central Dispatch had previously been housed in a cramped 1,000 square foot space on the second floor of the Kingsport Justice Center since 1989. Prior to that, Central Dispatch operated out of the basement of the Civic Auditorium.

Kingsport Central Dispatch personnel include the 9-1-1 Director, a Communications Supervisor, a Technical Services Coordinator, 4 Shift Leaders, and more than a dozen Communications Specialists. Collectively, the employees of Kingsport Central Dispatch handle roughly a quarter of a million phone calls each year, nearly 50,000 of which are emergency calls to 9-1-1.

Over the past 20 years, Kingsport Central Dispatch has only increased the number of Communications Specialists from 14 to 16. Meanwhile, the number of citizens calls for Police, Fire, and E.M.S. service and the population, square miles, and road miles of the City of Kingsport have all increased exponentially. This exemplifies true dedication to public safety by continuing to provide excellent 9-1-1 service in the face of significantly increased work volume.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION: NENA serves its members and the greater public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 9-1-1 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 10,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 9-1-1, as well as international three-digit emergency communications systems.

Pictured left to right above: Richie Hite (Technical Services Coordinator), Nancy Fender (Communications Dispatch Supervisor), Catherine Matt (Communications Specialist), and Christy Swiney (Communications Shift Leader)
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee