You are here: / / / February

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Make Seatbelt Enforcement a Top Priority in 2017 THSO “SAFE” Campaign

,

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 Make Seatbelt Enforcement a Top Priority in 2017 THSO “SAFE” Campaign
DATE: February 3, 2017
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its annual Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) campaign. This statewide initiative is designed to increase seatbelt usage and child passenger safety restraint usage through the implementation of occupant-protection programs, public events, and checkpoints throughout local communities across Tennessee. The SAFE campaign begins February 1, 2017, and concludes on August 1, 2017.

2017 will be the fourth year that the THSO has sponsored the SAFE campaign. Last year yielded the following results:

  • 1,717 child restraint violations
  • 21,562 seat belt citations
  • 723 other seat belt enforcement activities

“In 2015, Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate was 86.23%,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Last year, we soared to 88.95%. Through increased education, enforcement, and community involvement, we’re striving for 90% or higher.”

This year, participating agencies will pay special attention to nighttime seatbelt enforcement. Tennessee has seen a disproportionate percentage of unrestrained fatalities between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Historically, approximately 50% of Tennessee’s traffic fatalities are unbelted. That percentage increases to nearly 60% when nighttime crashes are examined.

In an ideal world, all motorists would wear their seatbelt 100 percent of the time; however, the Kingsport Police Department would view any significant increase in usage to be a success.

To achieve this goal, the Kingsport Police Department will be stepping up seatbelt education and enforcement efforts. In the State of Tennessee, a violation of the seatbelt law is considered a primary offense, meaning that if an officer observes a motorist not wearing a seatbelt, the officer may stop and cite the motorist for the seatbelt violation without observing any other offenses.

Wearing a seatbelt can easily make the difference in a motorist being seriously injured or killed in a crash versus literally walking away from the crash with minor injuries or completely unscathed. The Kingsport Police Department encourages ALL occupants of ALL motor vehicles to wear their seatbelt ALL of the time. It is the law, but more importantly, it might just save a life.

Please be “SAFE” and remember that Seatbelts Are For Everyone!

For additional information on the “SAFE” Campaign and other THSO traffic safety programs, please visit the following link:

http://tntrafficsafety.org/safe-campaign-page
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Vehicle Sought by Kingsport Police in Connection with Probe into Suspicious Death

,

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: Vehicle Sought by Kingsport Police in Connection with Probe into Suspicious Death
DATE: February 2, 2017
CASE #: 17-002406
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Kingsport Police are attempting to locate a vehicle with potential ties to a suspicious death investigation on Mull Street in Kingsport. A somewhat unique white 1-ton Chevrolet camper conversion van, believed to have been owned by the decedent, is presently unaccounted for. Two photographs of the van in question have been included in this release.

Anyone who has any knowledge of the current whereabouts of this van is asked to promptly 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

As this continues to be an active ongoing investigation, absolutely no additional details can be released at this time.

As previously released:

On January 31, 2017 at approximately 7:45 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to a home on Mull Street in Kingsport after a neighbor had requested that officers check the welfare of the resident.

Upon arrival, the responding officers observed an unresponsive person inside the residence. The officers forced entry into the home and confirmed that the individual was in fact deceased.

This discovery is in the process of being thoroughly investigated as a suspicious death. The decedent has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office at the Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for autopsy.

As this investigation is still in its infancy, and due to the ongoing active nature of it, absolutely no additional details will be released at this time.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Suspicious Death

,
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 Suspicious Death
DATE: February 1, 2017
CASE #: 17-002406
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 31, 2017 at approximately 7:45 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to a home on Mull Street in Kingsport after a neighbor had requested that officers check the welfare of the resident.

Upon arrival, the responding officers observed an unresponsive person inside the residence. The officers forced entry into the home and confirmed that the individual was in fact deceased.

This discovery is in the process of being thoroughly investigated as a suspicious death. The decedent has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office at the Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for autopsy.

As this investigation is still in its infancy, and due to the ongoing active nature of it, absolutely no additional details will be released at this time.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Driver with Revoked License Flees After Giving ID Card to Officer (Update: Suspect in Custody)

,

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: Driver with Revoked License Flees After Giving ID Card to Officer (Update: Suspect in Custody)
DATE: February 1, 2017
CASE #: 17-001965
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 31, 2017 at approximately 10:00 PM, Donald Wayne Pickle, III was turned over to Kingsport Police Officers by Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputies after being captured in their jurisdiction. He was transported to the Kingsport City Jail where he remains confined in lieu of a $20,000 bond a set by the presiding judge.

As previously released:

On January 26, 2017 at approximately 11:30 PM, a Kingsport Police Patrol Sergeant was eastbound on East Stone Drive near Arbutus Avenue, when he observed a vehicle, with headlights on high beam, approaching from the opposite direction, effectively blinding the officer as well as other motorists in the vicinity. The driver never dimmed the headlights and eventually passed the officer.

The officer turned his cruiser around and initiated a traffic stop so that he could address this safety infraction with the driver. Despite a clear display of emergency signal devices including flashing blue lights and audible siren, the driver failed to stop. The vehicle continued a significant distance along East Stone Drive, turned right on Gibson Mill Road, and eventually pulled over near the intersection of Bloomingdale Pike.

As the officer approached the driver’s side of the vehicle on foot, a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper arrived on scene as backup and approached the passenger’s side. When asked why he failed to stop, the driver replied that he was looking for a safe place to stop. When asked for his driver license, the driver stated that it was revoked. He was, however, kind enough to hand over his Tennessee ID Card, positively identifying himself as Donald Wayne Pickle, III.

The ID Card was clearly emblazoned with the text in bright red bold print: “IDENTIFICATION ONLY” and “NOT VALID FOR OPERATION OF ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE.” A check of his driving history revealed that he had three prior arrests for Driving on a Revoked License. The officer asked Mr. Pickle to step out of the vehicle; however, Mr. Pickle chose instead to throw the car in gear and speed away, nearly striking the THP Trooper in the process.

Mr. Pickle turned right on Bloomingdale Pike and drove about a quarter of a mile before pulling over again and fleeing on foot. The officers searched the immediate area; however, Mr. Pickle was able to at least temporarily evade capture. Upon searching his vehicle prior to towing it, the officer located two open, but still ice cold, Busch beers between the two front seats. One was nearly empty, while the other was still mostly full.

A warrant has been obtained charging Mr. Pickle with 1) Aggravated Assault, 2) Felony Reckless Endangerment, 3) Felony Evading Arrest, 4) Driving on a Revoked License (4th Offense), 5) Driver in Possession of Open Alcohol, and 6) Violation of Light Law. Mr. Pickle is described as a 36 year old white male adult. He is mostly bald with hazel eyes and a stubbly mustache and beard. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height, weighs roughly 200 pounds, and is of average build.

A snapshot of his ID Card, complete with a recent photograph, is included in this release. He is currently wanted and still at large. Anyone who can provide any information regarding his present whereabouts is asked to contact 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
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Donald Wayne Pickle, III
Age Date of Birth 2/18/1980

36 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 363 Samlola Road

Blountville, TN
Charge(s) 1) Aggravated Assault

2) Felony Reckless Endangerment

3) Felony Evading Arrest

4) Driving on Revoked License (4th Offense)

5) Driver in Possession of Open Alcohol

6) Violation of Light Law

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Drug Impaired Car Wash Employee Charged and Arrested in 2016 Crash that Injured Co-worker

,

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: Drug Impaired Car Wash Employee Charged and Arrested in 2016 Crash that Injured Co-worker
DATE: February 1, 2017
CASE #: 16-004947 (Initial Crash Report)

17-002250 (Incident/Arrest Report)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On March 10, 2016 at approximately 8:50 AM, Crash Investigators from the Kingsport Police Department Traffic Unit responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at Southern Classic Car Wash, located at 4264 Fort Henry Drive, in the Colonial Heights area of Kingsport. The ensuing investigation revealed the following:

An employee, Dwane Larry Whitfield, Jr., was pulling a customer’s 2007 Ford F-150 out of the wash bay into a drying area when he struck fellow employee Ronald S. Herndon who was working in the drying area. Mr. Herndon was pushed forward and pinned between the truck and a dirt embankment.

Mr. Herndon sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. for emergency treatment.

Mr. Whitfield’s driver license was classified as revoked at the time of the crash. Due to the seriousness of injuries inflicted upon his co-worker, investigators requested that Mr. Whitfield submit to a blood test. He consented, with the resultant sample being sent to the T.B.I. Crime Lab for analysis.

This crash has remained under investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit while awaiting the results from the T.B.I. Crime Lab.

In May 2016, a preliminary lab report was received showing that Mr. Whitfield was negative for alcohol; however, two additional reports followed in June and August 2016 showing him positive for multiple prescription medications to include Nordiazepam, Clonazepam, 7-Amino Clonazepam, Buprenorphine (a.k.a. Subutex), and Norbuprenorphine.

The results of the investigation were submitted to the Office of the Sullivan County District Attorney for review. On January 18, 2017 the facts of the case were presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury who returned a true bill, charging Mr. Whitfield with 1) Reckless Aggravated Assault, 2) Vehicular Assault, 3) Driving Under the Influence, and 4) Driving on a Revoked License. On January 24, 2017 a Criminal Court Capias was issued for his arrest.

On January 30, 2017 at approximately 11:30 AM, K.P.D. Officers arrested Mr. Whitfield at his residence on Bell Ridge Road in Kingsport. He was transported to the Kingsport City Jail for processing and then forwarded to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville for confinement. He has since been released after posting a $5,000 bond as set by the presiding judge.

Coincidentally, an almost identical motor vehicle collision occurred at this same car wash roughly a week later, where a different employee also struck a fellow employee with a customer’s vehicle; however, in the second instance, the investigation revealed that the driver had a valid license and was not impaired, so no charges were filed.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Dwane Larry Whitfield, Jr.
Age Date of Birth 6/25/1978

38 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 837 Bell Ridge Road

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) 1) Reckless Aggravated Assault

2) Vehicular Assault

3) Driving Under the Influence

4) Driving on a Revoked License

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

KPD e-News Release: Driver Tracked Down and Charged After Crashing Car into Convenience Store and Leaving the Scene

,

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: Driver Tracked Down and Charged After Crashing Car into Convenience Store and Leaving the Scene
DATE: February 1, 2017
CASE #: 17-002119 (Crash Report)

17-002134 (Incident Report)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 28, 2017 at approximately 7:30 PM, a driver, later identified as Kelley P. Brown, crashed his 2011 Honda Accord into the Sunoco Gas Station and Convenience Store, located at 4001 Memorial Boulevard in Kingsport. The impact caused extensive structural damage to the exterior and interior of the building. Mr. Brown then proceeded to back his car out of the building and flee the scene.

A clerk was treated at the scene for superficial injuries. Responding Officers were able to track down Mr. Brown at his residence later that evening. He offered no explanation for the crash or his actions. He was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision and subsequently released on a Misdemeanor Citation in lieu of continued custody, ordering him to appear in court at a later date.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Kelley P. Brown
Age Date of Birth 2/2/1974

42 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 2356 Woodridge Avenue

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Handmade Valentines, Glass Pendants & Meditative Drawing

February is full of creative classes at Art in the Heart. Not only can participants make a special Valentine, but there’s also a glass pendant class and a meditative drawing session!

Fused Glass Pendant – Come make your own jewelry in the form of glass pendants on February 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Instructor Karen Hitchcock has over 12 years’ experience and will help you create up to 10 pendants that you can keep or give as gifts to friends and family. All supplies are provided and the cost is $50.

Creative Valentines – On February 11, from 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m., fabric, rhinestones and decorative papers will be used to create unique handmade valentines. Lead by Anne Gurney Thwaites and Patti Lawrence, participants will make 2D, 3D and pop-up cards. All supplies are provided and the cost is $25.

Meditative Drawing – On February 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join instructor Barbara Bell in learning the basics of ‘Zentangle,’ a relaxing form of drawing. Participants will learn how to recognize simple lines and shapes to make interesting black and white patterns on drawing paper. Different techniques will be demonstrated and colored pencils, pen and sketchbook will be provided. The cost is $25.

Located at 246 Broad Street, Art in the Heart Gallery is a non-profit gallery supported by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and features local artists from the Tri-Cities area.

For more information, please visit www.engagekingsport.com or call 423-480-9702.

paper valentines glass pendants   drawing

New Economic Development Portal Launched – SyncKingsport

From tinkering to technology to growing your business, Kingsport now has a professional pathway to get your ideas off the ground. SyncKingsport.com is the new online economic development portal for creative and innovative minds in Kingsport.

As an online portal for entrepreneurs and small business owners, SyncKingsport.com will help business owners identify and register for programs, find mentors and connect with resources in Kingsport.

The goal of the online economic development portal is to serve as a clarification and collaboration tool for all of Kingsport’s business services:

  • Increase activity for entrepreneurs in Kingsport
  • Connect mentors, services and events for business more simply
  • Provide a snapshot of activity to all partners to identify current and future opportunities to serve Kingsport businesses
  • Expand environment for collaboration among partners

How’d we choose this name?

Sync by definition is collaboration. Collaboration is the goal of the economic development partners and an online portal provides a single entry point for businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for mentorship and services.

SyncKingsport community partners include AccelNow, KOSSE, HBDC, Innovation Forge, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, RCAM, and SyncSpace.

For more information regarding each of the partners or how to get started, visit www.synckingsport.com.

This portal is a completed project for OneKingsport.
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee