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KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing 17 Year Old (Update)

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing 17 Year Old (Update)
DATE: May 17, 2021
CASE #: 21-001609
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Devon Wiles has been found safe and is no longer considered a missing juvenile.

As previously released:

The following is a reissuance of an earlier news release. Devon Wiles (now 17 years old) remains missing. Again, foul play is not suspected. Anyone who sees him or may know his current whereabouts 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.

As previously released:

On the evening of January 23, 2021 Devon Wiles (17 year old male juvenile) was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department. While foul play is not suspected, due to his minor age, Investigators are making every possible effort to locate him.

His description and photograph are included in this release. Anyone who sees him or may know his current whereabouts 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
MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION
Name Devon Wiles
Age 17 years of age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 9 inches

195 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown hair

Blue eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Last Known Location 1600 block of Highland Street

Kingsport, TN

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Early Morning Homicide (Update)

,

Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Investigating Early Morning Homicide (Update)
DATE: May 17, 2021
CASE #: 21-009923
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: On May 15, 2021 at approximately 6:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to a residence in the 500 block of Bays View Court in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, Officers located the resident, Amber N. Schwenk, inside the home, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Detectives were soon able to identify Zachery Felton as the person responsible. Mr. Felton had already left the scene prior to police arrival, but Detectives have obtained a warrant, charging him with 1) First Degree Murder, 2) Vandalism of a Monitoring Device, and 3) Vandalism.

Based upon the investigation thus far, it is evident that the suspect and victim were acquainted with one another prior to this incident. This appears to have been an isolated incident, so there is no reason at this time to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public at large.

As of the time of issuance of this release, Mr. Felton remains wanted and at large; however, Detectives have strong reason to believe that he has fled the state. Due to the charges against him, and the nature of this incident, he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with any information which could potentially assist with this investigation or help locate Mr. Felton 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

This remains an active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; therefore, absolutely no additional details, to include possible motives, will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On May 15, 2021 at approximately 6:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to a residence in the 500 block of Bays View Court in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, Officers located an adult female inside the home, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Based upon the investigation thus far, this appears to have been an isolated incident, so there is no reason at this time to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public at large.

An active investigation is currently underway by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; however, absolutely no additional details, to include identities or motives, are available for release at this time. Further information will be released as it develops and at an appropriate point in the investigation.
WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Zachery Felton
Age Date of Birth 4/14/1985

36 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 11 inches

160 pounds
Hair/Eyes Black hair

Brown eyes
Charge(s) 1) First Degree Murder

2) Vandalism of a Monitoring Device

3) Vandalism

VICTIM INFORMATION
Name Amber N. Schwenk
Age 40 Years of Age
Gender/Race Female/White
Residency Kingsport, TN
Injuries Fatal Gunshot Wound
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

Kingsport Launches New City App

The City of Kingsport is excited to launch ConnectKingsport, a new mobile application that is powered by SeeClickFix. This application is a citizen-first approach that allows residents to have a direct line of communication to request services and report non-emergency issues such as potholes and graffiti. The app will also be a great source of information on all things Kingsport, with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more.

The ConnectKingsport app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from when submitting a request. The app also allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can track the status of reports they, or other members of the community, have submitted until the issue is resolved.

“When maintenance requests come in, they will be instantly routed and passed into Cartegraph, the city’s work and infrastructure management system,” said Kristen Steach, public works asset manager. “By pairing our new app and Cartegraph systems together, city field crews can now see and respond to requests in record time, automatically notifying citizens every step of the way.”

Back at the office, city staff will leverage powerful dashboards and reporting tools to identify hot spots, increase productivity, prioritize projects and spend tax dollars smarter.

This new application not only allows citizens to report concerns, but also to view and track concerns submitted by their neighbors. Citizens will have access to helpful links to city services and updates on local events.

To download the free app, go to the App Store or Google Play and search “ConnectKingsport” to find the app. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!

To view the ConnectKingsport media kit, please click here. For more information on the app, please click here.

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Early Morning Homicide

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Investigating Early Morning Homicide
DATE: May 15, 2021
CASE #: 21-009923
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On May 15, 2021 at approximately 6:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to a residence in the 500 block of Bays View Court in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, Officers located an adult female inside the home, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Based upon the investigation thus far, this appears to have been an isolated incident, so there is no reason at this time to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public at large.

An active investigation is currently underway by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; however, absolutely no additional details, to include identities or motives, are available for release at this time. Further information will be released as it develops and at an appropriate point in the investigation.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police and Local FOP Invite Public to Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service (Reminder)

,

Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police and Local FOP Invite Public to Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service (Reminder)
DATE: May 14, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Reminder: The Law Enforcement Memorial Service will take place today, May 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM at the Kingsport Police Department Law Enforcement Memorial and Eternal Flame, located on the corner of West Market and Clay Streets in Downtown Kingsport. As always, the department extends an open invitation to anyone who would like to join us as we remember and honor our local fallen officers, as well as all fallen officers throughout the nation.

As previously released:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

This year, National Police Week will take place from May 9 through 15, 2021. Traditionally, the local Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Burgess-Mills Lodge #11 conducts a Law Enforcement Memorial Service at the Kingsport Justice Center during National Police Week.

While the national in-person events planned for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. have now been postponed until the week of October 13-17, 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, our local service here in Kingsport will still take place on schedule.

The service this year will be held this coming Friday, May 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM at the Kingsport Police Department Law Enforcement Memorial and Eternal Flame, located on the corner of West Market and Clay Streets in Downtown Kingsport. As always, the department extends an open invitation to anyone who would like to join us as we remember and honor our local fallen officers, as well as all fallen officers throughout the nation.

Sheriff Jeff Cassidy of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office will serve as the keynote speaker, Chief Dale Phipps of the Kingsport Police Department will read the roll call of fallen officers, and Lieutenant Justin Quillin, Kingsport Police Department Chaplain, will offer the invocation.

The local Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Burgess-Mills Lodge #11 is named in honor of two of the Kingsport Police Department’s Fallen Officers, Patrolman Ira H. Burgess and Patrolman John E. Mills, who were tragically shot and killed in the line of duty in 1950 and 1940 respectively. Information regarding these and all of K.P.D.’s Fallen Officers can be found in the following link:

https://www.KingsportTN.gov/Police-Department/Our-Fallen-Officers/

The following inscription is found on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“This Memorial is dedicated to all Law Enforcement Officers in the United States of America. Inscribed on these walls are the names of those men and women who died in the line of duty. It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.”

Links to the National Police Week website, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website, and the Officer Down Memorial Page are provided below:

http://www.PoliceWeek.org

http://www.NLEOMF.com

https://www.ODMP.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: Kingsport Police Release Surveillance Photos in Attempt to Identify Suspects in Three Active Cases

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Release Surveillance Photos in Attempt to Identify Suspects in Three Active Cases
DATE: May 14, 2021
CASE #: 21-006439 (Lowe’s Shoplifting)

21-006497 (Walgreens Shoplifting)

21-006969 (McDonald’s Wallet Theft)
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is releasing photos, taken from surveillance video, in three unrelated active cases in hopes of identifying the suspects involved.

The first case, K.P.D. Incident #21-006439, involves the shoplifting of a $400 backpack blower from Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 2626 East Stone Drive. The second case, K.P.D. Incident # 21-006497, involves the shoplifting of $100 in merchandise from Walgreens, located at 1420 West Stone Drive. The final case, K.P.D. Incident #21-006969, involves the theft of a wallet, containing $1,000 cash, from McDonald’s, located at 1620 East Stone Drive.

Anyone who recognizes any of the three suspects 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) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

Hogwash for StoryWalk® Installed in Glen Bruce Park

The Kingsport Public Library has installed a new StoryWalk® in Glen Bruce Park to encourage reading and outdoor activity for families in an interactive format.

The new title is Hogwash by Karma Wilson. It’s a fun story of a farmer giving the animals a bath. It all goes well until he tries to wash the hogs.

StoryWalk, a system created for outdoor spaces with numbered stations that contain laminated pages from children’s books, can be found in all 50 states and internationally.

“With the return of the nice weather, it is the perfect time to enjoy the Storywalk in Glen Bruce Park,” said Chris Markley, manager of the Kingsport Public Library.

The library plans to change the stories quarterly, and new books will be announced on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kingsportlibrary/.

Participants are encouraged to share photos via social media and tag the Kingsport Public Library on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Participants also are encouraged to visit the library to check out books to share together in the park or at home.

Glen Bruce Park is located at 414 Broad St., in downtown Kingsport, adjacent to the library. Free parking is available.

Anne Ferguson created the StoryWalk concept, and it was launched in 2007 at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont.

Kingsport Aquatic Center Celebrates Water Safety Day on May 15

Mayor Shull has officially declared May as Water Safety Month in Kingsport, and the Kingsport Aquatic Center is celebrating with Water Safety Day this Saturday, May 15.

“We take water safety very seriously at the Aquatic Center, in, on and around the water,” said Madison Gump, KAC Operation Supervisor of Programming. “We’re excited to offer this opportunity to help you learn more about water safety.”

Beginning at 1 p.m., join the KAC  to learn about the importance of staying safe around the water. This fun, educational afternoon will include trivia, prizes, safety demonstrations and more as you explore topics of water safety. You’ll learn how to keep your kiddos safe whether you’re swimming at the Kingsport Aquatic Center or anywhere else this summer!

The KAC will also have an information table available starting at 12:30 p.m. where you can learn about the many programs the KAC offers, including swim lessons, the Junior Viperfish Summer Swim Team and the Viperfish Masters Team.

Water Safety Day is free with KAC daily admission. To learn more about the Kingsport Aquatic Center and its programs, visit swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.

KPD e-News Release: Traffic Advisory Issued for Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14, 2021

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Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Traffic Advisory Issued for Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14, 2021
DATE: May 12, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14, 2021 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM each day, area motorists should expect significant delays along Clinchfield Street, West Center Street, Netherland Inn Road, Ridgefields Road, Riverport Road, and Tilthammer Drive in Kingsport.

During these time frames, a local industry will be transporting extremely large and heavy equipment along this route in five separate trips each day and will not be able to exceed a speed of 5 miles per hour. Kingsport Police Officers will be escorting this convoy and assisting with traffic control.

Motorists using this route should expect significant delays and try to plan an alternate route if at all possible. Anyone who finds themselves behind, or delayed by, this convoy is asked to slow down, exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police and Local FOP Invite Public to Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service

,

Kingsport Police Department

Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Kingsport Police and Local FOP Invite Public to Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service
DATE: May 10, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

This year, National Police Week will take place from May 9 through 15, 2021. Traditionally, the local Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Burgess-Mills Lodge #11 conducts a Law Enforcement Memorial Service at the Kingsport Justice Center during National Police Week.

While the national in-person events planned for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. have now been postponed until the week of October 13-17, 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, our local service here in Kingsport will still take place on schedule.

The service this year will be held this coming Friday, May 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM at the Kingsport Police Department Law Enforcement Memorial and Eternal Flame, located on the corner of West Market and Clay Streets in Downtown Kingsport. As always, the department extends an open invitation to anyone who would like to join us as we remember and honor our local fallen officers, as well as all fallen officers throughout the nation.

Sheriff Jeff Cassidy of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office will serve as the keynote speaker, Chief Dale Phipps of the Kingsport Police Department will read the roll call of fallen officers, and Lieutenant Justin Quillin, Kingsport Police Department Chaplain, will offer the invocation.

The local Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) Burgess-Mills Lodge #11 is named in honor of two of the Kingsport Police Department’s Fallen Officers, Patrolman Ira H. Burgess and Patrolman John E. Mills, who were tragically shot and killed in the line of duty in 1950 and 1940 respectively. Information regarding these and all of K.P.D.’s Fallen Officers can be found in the following link:

https://www.KingsportTN.gov/Police-Department/Our-Fallen-Officers/

The following inscription is found on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“This Memorial is dedicated to all Law Enforcement Officers in the United States of America. Inscribed on these walls are the names of those men and women who died in the line of duty. It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.”

Links to the National Police Week website, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website, and the Officer Down Memorial Page are provided below:

http://www.PoliceWeek.org

http://www.NLEOMF.com

https://www.ODMP.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