RELEASING OFFICER | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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RELEASING OFFICER | ||
![]() |
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
![]() |
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Kingsport Police Department
200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX) |
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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 When asked for his driver license, the driver stated that it was revoked.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 | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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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 | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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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 |
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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.
YourGOV is an innovative citizen request application that allows community members to conveniently report non-emergency issues and service requests using the web or a smartphone.
In just three steps, YourGOV users can submit common issues — such as potholes, street light outages, water leaks and more — complete with location, details and photos. Once submitted, YourGOV will automatically deliver requests to the city’s public works department where they are reviewed and routed for proper handling.
YourGOV is free and is available for use anytime. To visit YourGOV online, go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the YourGOV tab located on the homepage. If smartphone users would like to download the app, please visit the iTunes app store or Google Play store.
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:
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.
Interested in what’s on the Board of Mayor & Aldermen agenda? Sign up for our BMA Highlights.
Paying your utility, miscellaneous receivables bill or building permits payment has never been easier! Click the link below to be directed to Click2Gov, the online payment system that allows users to view their account and pay with a credit or debit card through the secure website.
Pay your red light citation bill online by clicking the button below. You will be redirected to the payment page.
Pay Water (Utility) Bill
Pay Red Light Citation
Pay City Court Citation
Pay Other Receivables
Online Tax Payments
Building Permit Payments
To report a non-emergency, please use the new ConnectKingsport app.
You can also use the app to find information about the City of Kingsport with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!
To download the free app, please search for it on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also use the online portal below.
Please note that the use of ConnectKingsport is intended for the reporting of non-emergency issues only. If you need immediate Police or Fire response, please call 911.
Download on the Apple App Store
Download on the Google Play Store
Online Portal