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KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Investigating Serious Multi-Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81 at Mile-Marker 60 (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: K.P.D. Investigating Serious Multi-Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81 at Mile-Marker 60 (Update)
DATE: August 28, 2021
CASE #: 21-018183
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: On August 28, 2021 at approximately 4:20 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a multi-tractor trailer crash on Interstate 81 at mile-marker 60 in Kingsport. Due to the seriousness of the crash, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their findings thus far are as follows:

Four tractor trailers, listed in detail in the tables below but referred to as vehicles #1-4 in this narrative, were all traveling in the right southbound lane in that respective order. Vehicle #1 slowed suddenly due to the actions of other traffic ahead. Vehicle #2 slowed behind it. Vehicle #3 was unable to stop and rear-ended vehicle #2, knocking it forward into vehicle #1. Vehicle #3 then jack-knifed across the roadway. Vehicle #4 was unable to stop and ran into the jack-knifed trailer of vehicle #3.

Vehicle #1 sustained functional damage and could be driven from the scene. Driver #1 sustained suspected minor injuries.

Vehicle #2 sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene. Driver #2 sustained suspected minor injuries.

Vehicle #3 sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene. Driver #3 sustained suspected major injuries and had to be med-flighted by WINGS Air Rescue to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. While his injuries appeared serious, they were not believed to be life-threatening.

Vehicle #4 sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene. Driver #4 was not injured.

As of the time of issuance of this news release, traffic in the area continues to be affected as crews are still on scene attempting to remove one of the tractor-trailers. Area motorists and media representatives are referred to TDOT for updated traffic status conditions from this point forward.

This crash remains under active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash, who has not yet spoken to law enforcement, is asked to contact Crash Investigators at 423-224-2750.

As previously released:

On August 28, 2021 at approximately 4:20 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a serious multi-tractor trailer crash on Interstate 81 near exit 59 (Colonial Heights/SR36/Fort Henry Drive) in Kingsport. While the crash is primarily on the southbound side, the northbound lanes are also affected.

Traffic has already become extremely congested in the area and will likely remain that way for an extended period of time. Complete lane closures in both directions are anticipated to allow for care and transportation of the injured, the clearing of vehicles, and a thorough investigation of the crash.

Motorists are asked to avoid this area and seek an alternate route. Anyone already in the immediate area should exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions. No further information involving the crash itself is available at this time. Further details will be shared as they become available, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.
COLLISION VEHICLE #1 INFORMATION
Make Volvo
Model Semi
Year 2013
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color Blue
Damage Functional Damage
Driver Name Robert Kimutai Langat
Age 50 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Fort Worth, TX
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE #2 INFORMATION
Make International
Model Semi
Year 2018
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Felix E. Dalmau-Llanos
Age 58 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Laredo, TX
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE #3 INFORMATION
Make Kenworth
Model Semi
Year 2017
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Kevin B. Carlton
Age 53 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Jonesborough, TN
Injuries Suspected Major Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE #4 INFORMATION
Make International
Model Semi
Year 2015
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Tristan J. Bryant
Age 35 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Gordonsville, TN
Injuries No Injury
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: K.P.D. Investigating Serious Multi-Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81 at Exit 59

,

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: K.P.D. Investigating Multi-Tractor Trailer Crash on I-81 at Exit 59
DATE: August 28, 2021
CASE #: 21-018183
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 28, 2021 at approximately 4:20 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a serious multi-tractor trailer crash on Interstate 81 near exit 59 (Colonial Heights/SR36/Fort Henry Drive) in Kingsport. While the crash is primarily on the southbound side, the northbound lanes are also affected.

Traffic has already become extremely congested in the area and will likely remain that way for an extended period of time. Complete lane closures in both directions are anticipated to allow for care and transportation of the injured, the clearing of vehicles, and a thorough investigation of the crash.

Motorists are asked to avoid this area and seek an alternate route. Anyone already in the immediate area should exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions. No further information involving the crash itself is available at this time. Further details will be shared as they become available, but only 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 Department Receives Top Honors at Tennessee Lifesavers Conference

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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 Department Receives Top Honors at Tennessee Lifesavers Conference
DATE: August 25, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 18-20, 2021, Officers of the Kingsport Police Department Traffic Unit attended the 33rd Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. At the closing awards ceremony, the Kingsport Police Department was presented with First Place in the 101-200 Officer category in the Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge.

Officer Matt McGuire attended the conference and accepted the award on behalf of the department. Officer McGuire is a certified Crash Reconstructionist assigned to the K.P.D. Traffic Unit and also serves as the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) Network Coordinator for East Tennessee. While Officer McGuire was highly instrumental in compiling and documenting the department’s performance, this was truly a department-wide accomplishment.

The Law Enforcement Challenge is an annual competition designed to recognize and reward the best overall traffic safety programs across the state. Similar sizes and types of agencies are judged on their local efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about impaired and distracted driving, excessive speed, and occupant protection.

The winning safety programs combine officer training, public information, and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within their respective jurisdictions. The ultimate goal of the Law Enforcement Challenge is to save lives.

Pictured left to right in the above photo: K.P.D. Officer Matt McGuire and T.H.S.O. Director Clyde “Buddy” Lewis
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: Wanted Suspect Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges After Fleeing Officers

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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: Wanted Suspect Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges after Fleeing from Officers
DATE: August 25, 2021
CASE #: 21-017811
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On August 24, 2021 at approximately 9:45 AM Detectives with the Kingsport Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit, along with Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, observed Christopher C. Hutson driving a black Cadillac SRX in the area of South John B. Dennis Highway at Lincoln Street in Kingsport.

Mr. Hutson was already known to be wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Sullivan County Criminal Court for Violation of Probation on a previous conviction for Aggravated Assault. When a responding K.P.D. Patrol Officer attempted a traffic stop, Mr. Hutson fled in an attempt to evade apprehension.

Moments later, Officers again located Mr. Hutson in the same vehicle in the driveway of a nearby trailer court. When an Officer exited his cruiser and approached the vehicle, Mr. Hutson again fled in the vehicle in an attempt to evade apprehension, nearly striking the Officer in the process.

Soon thereafter, Officers again located Mr. Hutson in the same vehicle, this time on Interstate 26. Mr. Hutson pulled his vehicle over on the shoulder and fled from the Officers on foot, running across two traffic lanes of the Interstate and into a wooded area. As he fled, he threw down an item which was recovered and determined to be approximately 87 grams of heroin.

After a brief search, Officers were able to find Mr. Hutson hiding in a drainage tile. Despite repeated commands to show his hands and exit the tile, he refused to comply. Officers were forced to deploy a Taser in order to overcome his resistance and take him into custody.

During a search of Mr. Hutson’s person, Officers discovered a loaded 9mm pistol and over $4,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug transactions. During a search of his vehicle, Officers located a digital scale and plastic baggies, commonly associated with illegal drug trafficking.

Mr. Hutson was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute over 15 grams of Heroin, Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearms During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Evading Arrest, and Felony Reckless Endangerment.

As of the time of issuance of this news release, Mr. Hutson remains confined in the Kingsport City Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond. This incident remains under open and active investigation with the possibility of additional charges pending. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name Christopher C. Hutson
Age 34 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Church Hill, TN
Charge(s) 1) Conspiracy to Distribute over 15 grams of Heroin

2) Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia

3) Possession of a Firearms During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony

4) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

5) Felony Evading Arrest

6) Felony Reckless Endangerment

7) Also Wanted on Outstanding Warrant for Violation of Probation for Previous Conviction of Aggravated Assault

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Mayor to Read Proclamation for Overdose Awareness Day

Mayor Shull, along with Sullivan County Mayor Venable, will be reading a proclamation in honor of Overdose Awareness Day on Tuesday, August 31.

AveNew, a community drug education and prevention coalition in Greater Kingsport, will be hosting the event to commemorate Overdose Awareness Day at the Kingsport Farmers Market on August 31, beginning at 11 a.m. Speakers will include Alderman Paul W. Montgomery, Mayor Shull, Mayor Venable and Michelle Donaldson, area resident.

International Overdose Awareness Day aims to educate the public about drug overdose, remember the lives of people lost to drug overdose, reduce the stigma that surrounds drug-related deaths and substance misuse, and promote prevention efforts.

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

KPD e-News Release: Suspect Sought in Vandalism and Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft Investigation

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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: Suspect Sought in Vandalism and Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft Investigation
DATE: August 20, 2021
CASE #: 21-015148
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the afternoon of July 21, 2021, a vandalism and attempted motor vehicle theft was reported at Kingsport Podiatry, located at 2671 North John B. Dennis Highway in Kingsport.

The investigation determined that a window had been shattered on a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, and the ignition and steering column had been stripped in an apparent attempt to “hotwire” the vehicle.

A review of surveillance video footage revealed images of what is believed to be the same white male adult suspect at this location at two different times, first at 11:30 PM on the evening of July 17th and then returning at 5:30 AM the following morning of July 18th.

These images have been included in this release. The suspect appears to be slim and have a beard, and in one of the photos, he is wearing a shirt with the phrase “Stand for Something” printed on the back.

Anyone who recognizes this individual 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

Back-to-School Swim Lessons at the Kingsport Aquatic Center

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is our region’s year-round swim facility—and since swimming is year-round at the KAC, so are swim lessons!

“Fall is a great time to get into the pools and learn,” said Madison Gump, KAC’s Operations Supervisor of Programming. “Classes are smaller, which means more one-on-one time for your child with our swim instructors.”

All swim lessons at the Kingsport Aquatic Center are American Red Cross courses. The KAC offers group, private, semi-private and adaptive classes to suit you or your child’s unique needs. Weekday classes include eight sessions, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, and Saturday classes are four sessions. Not sure about your skill level? Don’t worry—the KAC can conduct a swim test.

Registration for the September session begins in person and online at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 27 and closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 29. Lessons begin the week of August 30.

If you are an Aquatic Center or YMCA member, weekday lessons are $50 for the first child and $45 per additional child; Saturdays are $25 per child and $22.50 per additional child. For non-members, weekday lessons are $60 for the first child and $55 per additional child, while Saturdays are $30 per child and $27.50 per additional child.

For information about other fall sessions, class levels and how you can register, visit swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.

Bays Mountain Park’s Commemorative Coffee Table Book Coming Soon

If you’ve always wanted to bring a part of Bays Mountain Park home with you, now you can. The Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: Celebrating 50 Years commemorative book is coming soon.

This 11” x 10 3/4” hardcover book describes the thinking that led to the idea of the park and nature preserve, chronicles the history of its development and gives readers a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the park. Full of stunning photographs, it is a celebration of Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium’s first 50 years that will become a keepsake for generations to come.

This project was coordinated by Mary Steadman, chair of the History Subcommittee for the BMP Celebration Committee. She also serves on the Bays Mountain Park Commission. Her husband’s family was involved in the development of Bays Mountain over the years, and even lived on a farm that is part of the mountain.

“This has been an opportunity for me to continue in the Steadman tradition of supporting and giving back to Bays Mountain, which gave them so much,” Steadman said.

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: Celebrating 50 Years collects the work of many photographs—from professionals, amateurs, local residents and visitors. The book also features many historical photos that capture Bays Mountain as it was at various points throughout its history. Jay Huron, a local professional who specializes in wildlife and travel photography, served as photography consultant and contributing photographer.

The book also contains history and stories from the mountain, compiled by author Pam Cox. A Kingsport native, Cox is an award-winning speech writer and journalist who currently serves as the tourism director of Scott County, Virginia. The book was designed by Andy Barnes, and many others contributed time and thoughts as part of the book committee.

“Everyone’s passion for Bays Mountain has really shined during this project,” Steadman said. “It has been truly a pleasure working with such a wonderful group of volunteers and partners.”

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: Celebrating 50 Years is sponsored by Eastman Credit Union and created in partnership with Kingsport Times-News. The book is available for pre-order for $30 through September 30, and copies should arrive in November.

BMP’s new children’s book, Unalii’s Unexpected Adventure, is also coming soon and available for $15. You can order both books in a bundle for $39—the perfect holiday gift for any Bays lover. To order your copies, visit baysmountain.com/books.

To learn more about Bays Mountain Park, visit baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.

Volunteer on a City of Kingsport Board or Commission

Looking to volunteer to make Kingsport a better place to live, work and play? Kingsport has many boards and commissions the public can serve on to do just that!

If you would like to volunteer to serve on a city commission or board, ServeKingsport is always accepting submissions. Citizens can take the simply survey at kingsporttn.gov/servekingsport, which includes just a few questions about their interests and skillsets. Completing the survey doesn’t guarantee appointment, but the city loves hearing from citizens and helping them find a committee that matches their interests.

“There’s something different about a community where the residents know the value of hard work, time with family and the integrity found in helping others,” said Deborah Mullins, secretary for the Kingsport Neighborhood Commission and avid volunteer in the community. “Kingsport residents know that helping neighbors and community programs continue to build stronger generations. That’s why it’s so easy to love where we live.”

Take action and volunteer today. There are various commissions and committees that are in need of citizen participation and could benefit from the varied skills and experiences Kingsport citizens have to offer.

To take the ServeKingsport survey, please visit kingsporttn.gov/servekingsport.

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Increases Impaired-Driving Enforcement

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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: K.P.D. Increases Impaired-Driving Enforcement
DATE: August 17, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign from August 18 to September 6, 2021 surrounding the Labor Day holiday. This initiative coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to increase impaired-driving enforcement nationwide.

Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with increased sobriety checkpoints and high visibility enforcement, aim to drastically reduce the number of drunk-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities this year.

The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.

The THSO provides grant funding to support the Kingsport Police Department’s increased enforcement efforts during the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.TNTrafficSafety.org.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

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