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The 100 Mile Swim Club Takes the Ultimate “Swim” Trip

This year, the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s 100 Mile Swim Club is setting off on the Ultimate “Swim” Trip, its biggest challenge to date.

The route is set: a 13,580 mile journey that stretches from Acadia National Park in Maine to the San Andreas Fault in California and every major U.S. landmark in between. The Kingsport Aquatic Center is challenging participants to work together to “travel” across the country and hit as many of the 50 landmarks as possible before the end of 2019.

“Some of these places, you might not get a chance to go to,” said KAC assistant director Chassy Smiley. “But with the Ultimate ‘Swim’ Trip, we’ll make it to the landmarks in spirit together and get a chance to learn about each one.”

Participants will swim at their own pace throughout the year, and the KAC staff will keep track of individuals’ miles and the club’s collective progress. A map in the KAC lobby will display the entire route and give information about what landmarks the club has made it to.

If 13,580 miles sounds daunting, remember the 100 Mile Swim Club’s motto: Every mile counts, every yard matters! The Ultimate “Swim” Trip is possible only through collective effort.

Interested swimmers can join the club for $10 for KAC members and $20 for nonmembers. All participants will receive a 2019 100 Mile Swim Club t-shirt, and anyone may join at any time throughout the year.

To sign up for the 100 Mile Swim Club, visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center front desk or call (423)343-9758. For more information about the 100 Mile Swim Club, visit https://www.swimkingsport.com/centennial-swim-club/.

KPD e-News Release: Detectives Attempting to Identify Suspect in Fraudulent Use of Stolen Debit Card Investigation

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Detectives Attempting to Identify Suspect in Fraudulent Use of Stolen Debit Card Investigation
DATE: January 30, 2019
CASE #: 19-001554 (Debit Card Fraud)

19-001555 (Stolen Debit Card)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 18, 2019 a Kingsport resident used his debit card at a local restaurant to pay his bill; however, he accidentally left his debit card behind on the table by mistake. He did not notice his error until the following day when he attempted to make another purchase and realized his card was missing.

When he contacted his financial institution to cancel the card, he learned that the missing card had been fraudulently utilized on January 19, 2019 to make a nearly $300 purchase at Walmart, located at 2500 West Stone Drive in Kingsport.

The suspect involved in that fraudulent transaction was recorded by Walmart video surveillance cameras at the time of the offense, with a photo taken from that footage included in this release.

Anyone who recognizes this individual is asked to contact the Kingsport Police Department 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: Suspect Sought in Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Felony Vandalism Investigation

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Suspect Sought in Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Felony Vandalism Investigation
DATE: January 30, 2019
CASE #: 19-000770
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the morning of January 11, 2019 a local construction company reported that one of their pickup trucks had been stolen from a fenced-in lot near the intersection of Fulton Avenue and Lomax Street in Kingsport. The suspect(s) burglarized a shed on the property, stole a set of keys, and used those keys to access and start the truck. The suspect(s) then drove the truck through the fence to facilitate the motor vehicle theft.

The truck was recovered a couple of weeks later on Hood Road in Sullivan County. Further investigation by the Kingsport Police Department Criminal Investigations Division has revealed video footage of a white male adult suspect who was spotted in the stolen pickup prior to it being recovered.

Photos taken from that footage have been included in this release. Anyone who recognizes him 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

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police and THSO Partnering to Encourage Seatbelt Usage During 2019 “SAFE” Campaign

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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 and THSO Partnering to Encourage Seatbelt Usage During 2019 “SAFE” Campaign
DATE: January 29, 2019
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is once again partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its sixth 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 this Friday, February 1, 2019, and concludes on August 1, 2019.

2019 will be the sixth year that the THSO has sponsored the SAFE campaign. Last year yielded the following statewide results:

  • 1,182 child restraint violations
  • 13,165 seat belt citations
  • 305 other seat belt enforcement activities

“In 2017, Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate was 88.51 percent,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Last year, the usage rate was 88.77 percent. Through increased education, enforcement, and community involvement, we’re striving to achieve 100 percent.”

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 walking away from the crash with minor injuries or no injuries whatsoever. 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

KPD e-News Release: Trio Sought in Walmart Cash Register Break-In Case

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Trio Sought in Walmart Cash Register Break-In Case
DATE: January 29, 2019
CASE #: 19-001348
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 18, 2019 at approximately 5:00 PM, three individuals, two black male adults and one white female adult, entered Walmart, located at 3200 Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport. After entering the store, the woman and one of the men went to the customer service station in the sporting goods section of the store.

The woman kept watch, while the man went underneath a “Walmart Associates Only” barricade/sign. Once behind the counter, the man forced open a register drawer and stole approximately $200 in cash. The cash register was damaged in the process. All three individuals then left the store together and fled the scene in a silver sedan.

Photos of these individuals, taken from store surveillance video, have been included in this release. Anyone who recognizes any of them is asked to contact the Kingsport Police Department 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: K.P.D. Requests Assistance in Locating Three Missing Juveniles

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Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: K.P.D. Requests Assistance in Locating Three Missing Juveniles
DATE: January 24, 2019
CASE #: 18-026813 (William Napier)

18-034158 (Brianna Bean)

19-000583 (Kaylee Graybeal)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) are requesting assistance from the public in locating three missing juveniles. These individuals have been reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department over the past few months in completely unrelated cases. It is important to note that foul play is not suspected in any of the three cases.

William Napier is a 15 year old white male juvenile. He is 5 feet 7 inches in height and weighs 150 pounds. He has blonde hair and green eyes. He was last seen on September 20, 2018. To view the NCMEC poster for William Napier, please visit the following link: http://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1347441/1/screen

Brianna Bean is a 16 year old white female juvenile. She is 5 feet 5 inches in height and weighs 225 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen on December 26, 2018. To view the NCMEC poster for Brianna Bean, please visit the following link: http://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1346903/1/screen

Kaylee Graybeal is a 16 year old white female juvenile. She is 5 feet 2 inches in height and weighs 150 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen on January 8, 2019. To view the NCMEC poster for Kaylee Graybeal, please visit the following link: http://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1347444/1/screen

Anyone with any information regarding the current whereabouts of any of these three missing juveniles 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 these or any other cases 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

Tips can also be called in to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children hotline at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).

Due to juvenile privacy laws, no additional information can or will be released regarding these investigations.

MISSING JUVENILE #1 INFORMATION
Name William Napier
Age 15 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 7 inches

150 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Blonde Hair

Green Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Missing Since September 20, 2018

MISSING JUVENILE #2 INFORMATION
Name Brianna Bean
Age 16 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 5 inches

225 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown Hair

Brown Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Missing Since December 26, 2018

MISSING JUVENILE #3 INFORMATION
Name Kaylee Graybeal
Age 16 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 2 inches

150 pounds
Hair/

Eyes

 Brown Hair

Blue Eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Missing Since January 8, 2019

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 Seeking Potential Witnesses in Hammond Bridge Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation

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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 Seeking Potential Witnesses in Hammond Bridge Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation
DATE: January 20, 2019
CASE #: 19-001416
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On January 19, 2019 at approximately 9:00 PM, Officers from the Kingsport Police Department Patrol Division and Traffic Unit were called to the scene of a motor vehicle collision on Hammond Bridge along Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport. The subsequent investigation revealed the following:

A black 2017 Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle was southbound on Fort Henry Drive, traveling across Hammond Bridge, in the right lane, in dark and rainy conditions, when the right (passenger) side rearview mirror struck some unidentified object, resulting in minor damage to the mirror housing.

Both the driver and the passenger stated that they believed they may have possibly clipped a pedestrian with the mirror; however, that has yet to be confirmed. First responders from the Kingsport Police Department, Kingsport Fire Department, Sullivan County EMS, and Kingsport Life Saving Crew began canvassing the surrounding area for the possibly involved pedestrian.

This search included the immediate area on and around the bridge above the river, as well as the river and riverbank directly below the bridge and downstream. Crews searched for several hours following the collision, and resumed their search first thing the following morning; however, no such pedestrian has been located or positively confirmed to have even been involved.

Investigators are requesting that anyone who may have possibly witnessed this crash to please contact them as soon as possible. Information may be called in to either the K.P.D. Traffic Unit at 423-224-2750 or to 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

This collision remains under active investigation by the Kingsport Police Department Traffic Unit.
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION
Make Toyota
Model RAV4
Year 2017
Type Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Color Black
Damage Minor
Driver Name Not Released Due to Active Investigation
Age 79 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Fall Branch, TN
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Not Released Due to Active Investigation
Age 77 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Fall Branch, TN
Injuries No Injury
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KATS PROMOTION: Free Bus Rides on Friday, January 18

Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) will offer free rides on the bus routes all day long Friday, January 18, to celebrate our Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. If you have considered using Kingsport’s public transit service, now is a great time to try it out with a free ride!

KATS is offering a calendar of yearly promotions for 2019 in order to give the community an opportunity to experience the benefits of public transit as well as to thank those passengers who are already KATS transit supporters. Make sure you take advantage of these promotions, and tell your friends and family members! Visit www.kingsporttransit.org or check out KATS on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the monthly promotions!

WHAT: Free bus rides in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

WHERE: Route buses

WHEN: Friday, January 18th, 2019

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttransit.org.

Bonnie Macdonald Retiring from City of Kingsport

This month, Bonnie Macdonald retires from the City of Kingsport, a place that’s all the richer for her commitment to creativity and public art.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in promoting, producing and advocating for the arts in this community and in our state,” Macdonald said. “I have been so blessed by my fellow city employees both in my department and throughout the city as well as our elected leadership, who have been willing to help, advise and encourage.”

For the past 14 years, Macdonald has spearheaded the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, where she and her colleagues have worked hard to invigorate and connect the local creative community. In 2007, she and the newly-established Public Art Committee had their first major success when they established the city’s first Sculpture Walk. This installation has continued to grow in the years since, and many of the pieces have become part of Kingsport’s permanent public art collection. Any drive through downtown will show firsthand the impact Macdonald has had on this city.

Another project that Macdonald’s team led could easily be considered public art: the Kingsport Carousel. Though it took years to create, the story of Kingsport artists coming together to learn new skills and craft a carousel essentially from the ground up is one that won’t be forgotten.

Macdonald also oversaw the Engage Kingsport Performing Arts series and the annual Christmas Connection craft show in addition to managing Kingsport’s event spaces like the Renaissance Arts Center and the Kingsport Farmers Market building. She also has a long resume of serving on various boards and committees, from founding board member of the Kingsport Ballet to President of the Board of Directors of Tennesseans for the Arts. She has been married to Dr. Scott Macdonald for 35 years, and together they have two grown daughters.

Though Macdonald’s time with the Office of Cultural Arts is at an end, her involvement in the Kingsport arts scene isn’t. She will continue to work with Engage Kingsport, the Office of Cultural Arts’ nonprofit arm, on forging more creative connections and innovations that Kingsport residents will benefit from for years to come.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Request Public Assistance in Identifying Misdemeanor Suspects

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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 Request Public Assistance in Identifying Misdemeanor Suspects
DATE: January 14, 2019
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is requesting public assistance in identifying several suspects in various misdemeanor investigations. The individuals in the following images were photographed on surveillance video during the commission of assorted misdemeanors, typically non-violent property crimes. Identifying one of these suspects could potentially help solve a case.

Anyone who recognizes any of these individuals is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429. As multiple cases and suspects are being featured in this news release, when providing information, citizens are asked to please cite the specific case number that corresponds to the particular individual being identified.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to these or any other cases 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
CASE #: 18-033316 CASE #: 18-033771
CASE #: 18-033880 CASE #: 18-034022
CASE #: 18-034110 CASE #: 18-034416
CASE #: 18-034419 (Female) CASE #: 18-034419 (Male)
CASE #: 18-034501 CASE #: 19-000136
CASE #: 19-000459 CASE #: 18-030301
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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