You are here: / / / February

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Issues Scam Warning

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Department Issues Scam Warning
DATE: February 7, 2018
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is urging citizens to educate themselves on a current technique in use by scam artists and to avoid becoming the next victim.

Area citizens have been receiving telephone calls from individuals claiming to represent any of a number of organizations including financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and even the Internal Revenue Service. The callers then use a variety of scare tactics to create a heightened sense of urgency. These scare tactics include threats of law suits, arrest, or other legal action.

The target is informed that a fee or fine must be paid immediately. Oddly however, the caller will not accept an immediate payment by traditional means (cash, check, or debit/credit card), but rather they tell their target to go to a local retail store and purchase a money card (typically a Green Dot, MoneyPak, or some other variety of prepaid Visa/MasterCard or gift card).

The caller instructs the victim to provide them with the account number and PIN number of that card, at which point the funds are immediately accessed and claimed remotely. Once the money is gone, it is gone for good, and there is no getting it back.

Individual victims have basically given away hundreds or even thousands of dollars to complete strangers over the phone by falling for this scam. This is not exactly a new tactic; however, it is definitely one that is still in current use by scam artists. Unfortunately, it will likely continue to be used until victims quit falling prey to it.

While we certainly cannot speak for a private financial institution, we can say with 100 percent certainty that no legitimate law enforcement official, nor any representative of the Internal Revenue Service, would ever call somebody on the telephone, threaten legal action, and then demand payment only in the form of a pre-paid money card.

Again…a word of warning…THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN. So, if it happens to you, you can rest assured with 100 percent certainty that IT IS A SCAM! Avoid becoming a victim, save yourself a whole lot of heartache, and simply HANG UP THE PHONE!
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Lynn Tully Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Lynn Tully headshotLynn Tully, Development Services Director for the City of Kingsport, TN has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), an international recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on January 27-28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 20 years of experience in development and six years in economic development with the City of Kingsport, Tully has worked to encourage and promote retail, industrial and commercial development and operates closely with community partners to present the region as a best place to locate and grow business. Her work includes partnerships for existing business retention and expansions as well as new commercial attraction. She also promotes non-traditional economic development efforts in housing and residential attraction.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts culminating in an oral interview and spans two intensive days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

  • business retention and expansion
  • finance & credit analysis
  • marketing and attraction
  • strategic planning
  • entrepreneurial & small business development
  • managing economic development organizations
  • neighborhood development strategies
  • real estate development & reuse
  • technology-led economic development
  • workforce development strategies

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector.  Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well-being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.

Tully was also appointed to serve on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency Board in June of 2016. Board appointments are made by the Governor and represent a variety of backgrounds from finance and banking to real estate and development. THDA was created to promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low, low and moderate income individuals and families in the state, to promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for such persons, and to bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units. She chairs the Tax Credit committee which awarded more than $419M in tax credits and bonds across the state to build or preserve affordable rental housing in 2016.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Personnel Recognized for Courage Under Fire in 2017 Manor Court Shooting Incident

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Personnel Recognized for Courage Under Fire in 2017 Manor Court Shooting Incident
DATE: February 6, 2018
CASE #: 17-032004
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On November 9, 2017, Corporal Dustin Jackson, Detective Mike Slater, and Officers Scott Reid and Lucas Parker were engaged in a standoff on Manor Court with an armed and wanted suspect, who had barricaded himself inside his residence for a period of several hours. Without provocation, the suspect exited the residence and opened fire with a shotgun, striking both Cpl. Jackson and Officer Reid, and injuring Cpl. Jackson severely.

All four officers returned fire in the suspect’s direction to successfully drive the suspect back into the residence out of community harm. Disregarding personal safety, Det. Slater and Officer Reid, while ignoring his own wound, began the extraction of Cpl. Jackson from the area of danger while Officer Parker provided cover.

Commander Jason Bellamy, already on scene, assisted with the medical triage of the severely wounded officer, all the while providing leadership, direction, and control of a chaotic situation in a hostile environment. Sergeant Kevin Hite, SWAT Team Commander, orchestrated the tactical approach to the residence, while maintaining consistent communications to officers in the field. Sgt. Hite was clear, concise, and controlling in his orders and deployment of personnel.

As the severely wounded officer was extracted out of the immediate area, SWAT Team Medic Adam Williams (who is a civilian volunteer) began combat field first aid and lifesaving procedures calmly, competently, and without hesitation. Medic Williams’ response provided prompt and timely expert medical assistance to the medical evaluation and care of casualties under incredibly stressful and combat-like conditions.

Based upon the actions outlined above, the following commendations were recommended and awarded by the Kingsport Police Department:

Corporal Dustin Jackson: Medal of Valor and Purple Heart

Officer Scott Reid: Medal of Valor and Purple Heart

Detective Mike Slater: Medal of Valor

Officer Lucas Parker: Medal of Valor

Commander Jason Bellamy: Police Star

Sergeant Kevin Hite: Police Star

Medic Adam Williams: Citizen Commendation Certificate

These awards were presented to these individuals on February 6, 2017 at the meeting of the City of Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Chief David Quillin offered the following words: “We are fortunate that these types of things rarely happen in Kingsport. The truth is that some things are simply out of our control. It is unfortunate any time there is a loss of life. In this particular case, the suspect made the decision he made, and the officers were forced to act. We are constantly training, and we train for situations just like this one.

The officers relied on their training and on each other. I fully support their actions. Fortunately and thankfully, we did not lose any officers on this particular day. Both officers who were shot have recovered and are now both back to active duty. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that we received from the community”.

This incident itself was well-documented and highly publicized at the time it occurred; however, for additional information, please visit the following link:

https://kingsportpdblog.com/2017/11/13/kpd-e-news-release-two-kingsport-police-officers-injured-in-standoff-with-barricaded-suspect-2nd-update/

The specific criteria for each of these four awards is documented in the Kingsport Police Department’s General Order 435.1 Discipline – Awards and Commendations. The following descriptions are taken from that document:

Medal of Valor: The highest law enforcement medal awarded to a sworn police officer of the Kingsport Police Department. The Medal of Valor is awarded for an act of extraordinary bravery or heroism at extreme and voluntary life-threatening risk that is above and beyond the call of duty. The act is to be so conspicuous that it clearly distinguishes the individual officer from his/her fellow officers.

Police Star: The Police Star is awarded to a sworn police officer who in the

intelligent performance of his/her duty and at imminent personal danger performs

an act of exceptional judgment while utilizing skillful tactics in order to defuse an

obvious dangerous and stressful situation.

Purple Heart: The Purple Heart shall be awarded to a sworn police officer who

sustains a serious injury in the line of duty as a result of an act of malice or

recklessness of another (usually involving the use of a deadly weapon) or as a

result of an act of heroism justifying the award of the Medal of Valor or the Medal

of Merit.

Citizen Commendation Certificate: The Citizen Commendation Certificate shall

be awarded to any citizen who has assisted the law enforcement effort by an act of

bravery, rendered productive assistance, or brings credit to himself/herself through

outstanding achievement.

Pictured left to right above: Cpl. Dustin Jackson, Off. Scott Reid, Det. Mike Slater, Off. Lucas Parker, Comm. Jason Bellamy, Sgt. Kevin Hite, and Medic Adam Williams
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Tips Sought in $150,000 Kmart Jewelry Burglary

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Tips Sought in $150,000 Kmart Jewelry Burglary
DATE: February 6, 2018
CASE #: 18-000518
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 6, 2018 at approximately 4:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to an alarm at Kmart, located at 1806 East Stone Drive in Kingsport. Upon arrival, the officers located a glass door on the front of the business that had been shattered.

Several officers searched the interior of the building, and while no suspects were located, they did notice a damaged jewelry display cabinet. Store employees arrived on scene and determined that nearly 90 individual items of jewelry containing diamonds, with a total value in excess of $150,000, had been stolen.

A check of store surveillance video showed a lone suspect, wearing a dark jacket and gloves and a blue hood, break the exterior door glass and crawl through the opening. The suspect went directly to the jewelry area, broke the display case, quickly grabbed the contents, and immediately exited the store.

A check of other surveillance video in the immediate area revealed footage of a light colored sedan believed to be driven by the suspect. It appears to be beige in color with black wheels and tinted windows.

Photos of both the suspect and the vehicle have been included in this release. Three clips of the surveillance video have been made available for viewing on the K.P.D. YouTube channel via the following links:

https://youtu.be/2YN8FaLlJ7U

https://youtu.be/QaqW1s_nNR8

https://youtu.be/OW6Z86OynCY

Anyone who recognizes either the suspect or the vehicle, or who may have any additional information which may help Detectives solve this case, 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
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Soliciting Public Assistance in Main Street Pizza Burglary Investigation

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Soliciting Public Assistance in Main Street Pizza Burglary Investigation
DATE: February 6, 2018
CASE #: 18-001909
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the morning of January 20, 2018, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were called to Main Street Pizza, located at 242 East Main Street in Downtown Kingsport, to investigate a burglary to the business. Their subsequent investigation uncovered video surveillance footage of a lone suspect dressed in tan coveralls and black gloves, mask, and hood.

The unidentified suspect could be seen entering the business earlier that same morning at approximately 6:30 AM. The suspect then forced open an office door, ransacked the office, pried open a safe, stole an undisclosed amount of cash, and left out the back door.

A photo of the suspect, taken from surveillance video, has been included in this release. Three excerpts from the surveillance footage have been made available for viewing on the K.P.D. YouTube channel via the links below:

https://youtu.be/oZBsYgcOimI

https://youtu.be/z4thJD8rCWk

https://youtu.be/aIml3OMU0nk

Anyone who recognizes this individual, or who may have any additional information which may help Detectives solves this case, 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

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport Farmers Market Launches New Website, Calls For Vendors

The Kingsport Farmers Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2018 season! Applications can be filled out on the new Kingsport Farmers Market website. If you have homegrown produce, hand-made crafts or anything in between, consider joining us on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

For over 40 years, Kingsport has enjoyed a vibrant and successful farmers market, named one of Tennessee’s best markets for a number of years. The collective impact of the market – affecting economic vitality, food availability and health of the community – cannot be overstated.

The Kingsport Farmers Market is making the process of becoming a vendor at the market easier than ever with these new resources:

  • Website -The new Kingsport Farmers Market website (kingsportfarmersmarket.org) has information and guidelines for becoming a vendor, facility rentals, programs offered at the market and ways to get involved.
  • Vendor Applications- For those interested in applying to be a vendor at the market, there is a digital application on the website or physical applications can be picked up at the Kingsport Carousel or Kingsport City Hall. Vendors will be accepted on a rolling basis, but will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Training Sessions- Training sessions will be setup prior to the market opening to train the 2018 season vendors on a new software, Manage My Market, which will be used to register vendors. Sessions will be held every Wednesday, starting February 7th, until the market opens. Held at the Kingsport Carousel, the sessions will run from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

After researching models of stable growth and flexibility and in collaboration with the Kingsport Farmers Market Association, the City of Kingsport will provide administrative support in the management of the Kingsport Farmers Market facility and weekly market for the upcoming season.

“In order to ensure a seamless transition and sharing of best practices, the City of Kingsport will continue to work closely with the association president and market manager,” said Chris McCartt assistant city manager for administration. “This will be a combined effort to uphold the legacy of the Kingsport Farmers Market for seasons to come.”

Over the coming months, city staff will begin rolling out several new programs, procedures and marketing efforts for the market. The implementation of these new opportunities will help with the ease and effectiveness of the market for its customers and vendors.

The administrative team will work with vendors to implement the ‘Manage My Market’ software. This software will provide easily accessible applications, online payments and booth information for potential vendors as well as up-to-date information for the public. The ‘Manage My Market’ software will also enable market staff to offer customizable booth rentals in order to keep the market full.

In addition to the software, the administrative team is also working with the USDA to offer SNAP benefits. Accepting SNAP has been a long standing request for the market, and the city is eager to implement the program for Kingsport.

For more information on the Kingsport Farmers Market, how to become a vendor or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint
DATE: February 5, 2018
GENERAL NARRATIVE
In the ongoing effort to reduce the problem of Driving Under the Influence and resulting crashes, injuries, and deaths, the Kingsport Police Department will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, February 16, 2018. This Checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed time and location within the City of Kingsport.

Being convicted of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs can impact an offender’s life in many ways, including loss of employment, prevention of employment in certain jobs, significantly higher insurance rates, serious financial setbacks, personal and family embarrassment, and incarceration.

The Kingsport Police Department continues to emphasize that Tennessee D.U.I. laws apply not just to alcohol, but to any substance that impairs, including illegal drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as well as prescription drugs, even if they are prescribed by a physician.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Man Wanted for Failure to Appear on 2016 Aggravated Kidnapping and Robbery Charges

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Man Wanted for Failure to Appear on 2016 Aggravated Kidnapping and Robbery Charges
DATE: February 5, 2018
CASE #: 16-009615
GENERAL NARRATIVE
A man is currently wanted on a Sullivan County Criminal Court Capias for Felony Failure to Appear on Aggravated Kidnapping and Robbery charges stemming from a 2016 incident in Kingsport.

On May 8, 2016 at approximately 2:30 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to the rear parking lot of the Hog Wild Saloon, located at 1009 West Stone Drive, to investigate a report of a fight.

The subsequent investigation revealed that Christion “Blake” Rhodes (uncommon spelling of first name is correct) and two accomplices attacked two male adult victims, held them against their will, assaulted them, and stole their belongings. One of the victims was held down on the ground and severely beaten in the head before being robbed of his iPhone and wallet.

Mr. Rhodes and one of his accomplices were eventually identified and arrested on charges of Assault and Theft of Property with Mr. Rhodes eventually posting bond to secure his release. Those charges were later amended/upgraded to Aggravated Kidnapping (2 counts) and Robbery by the Office of the Sullivan County District Attorney General.

The case was eventually bound over to Sullivan County Criminal Court; however, Mr. Rhodes failed to appear. A Criminal Court Capias for Felony Failure to Appear has been issued for his arrest. As of the issuance of this news release, he remains wanted and at large.

An array of photographs of Mr. Rhodes has been included with this release. He is a 20 year old white male adult, standing 5 feet 11 inches in height and weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who may know his current whereabouts is asked to promptly contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. While the original charges were brought by the Kingsport Police Department, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office may also be contacted regarding his whereabouts as they hold the current capias.

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 Christion “Blake” Rhodes (uncommon spelling of first name is correct)
Age Date of Birth 1/10/1998

20 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 11 inches

160 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown Hair

Brown Eyes
Last Known Address 209 Moreland Drive

Kingsport, TN
Charge(s) Felony Failure to Appear on Charges from 2016 for:

1) 2 Counts of Aggravated Kidnapping

2) Robbery

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Make Seatbelt Enforcement a Top Priority in 2018 THSO “SAFE” Campaign

,

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Make Seatbelt Enforcement a Top Priority in 2018 THSO “SAFE” Campaign
DATE: February 2, 2018
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its fifth 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, 2018, and concludes on August 1, 2018.

2018 will be the fifth year that the THSO has sponsored the SAFE campaign. Last year yielded the following results:

  • 1,480 child restraint violations
  • 16,571 seat belt citations
  • 835 other seat belt enforcement activities

“In 2016, Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate was 88.95 percent,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Last year, the state’s usage rate decreased to 88.51 percent. Our goal this year is to achieve 100 percent seatbelt usage across Tennessee through the SAFE campaign and other occupant-protection initiatives.”

In Tennessee, a disproportionate percentage of unrestrained fatalities tend to occur between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Historically, approximately 50 percent of Tennessee’s traffic fatalities are unbelted. That percentage increases to nearly 60 percent when nighttime crashes are examined. Therefore, participating agencies will focus special attention toward nighttime seatbelt enforcement during the SAFE campaign this year.

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://www.tntrafficsafety.org

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee