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Kingsport PD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (UPDATE: FOUND SAFE)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (UPDATE: FOUND SAFE)

DATE:  May 15, 2026

CASE #: 26-004931

GENERAL NARRATIVE

UPDATE:

Timothy Oneil was located and found safe. The Kingsport Police Department extends its thanks to the public for their assistance in locating him.

 

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 16-year-old Timothy Oneil, who is believed to have left voluntarily from Dobyns-Bennett High School. Timothy is about 5’5″ tall and weighs 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing ripped black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a purple hat. Timothy has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway juvenile.

 

If you have information that may help locate Timothy, please contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.

 

Alternatively, if an individual who can provide information to this or any 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 PERSON INFORMATION

 

Name – Timothy Oneil

Age – 16

Gender/Race – Male/White

Hair/Eyes – Red/Green

Height/Weight – 5’05″/150lbs

Residency – Kingsport, TN

Other Details – Last seen wearing ripped black pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a purple hat.

Last Known Location – Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

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Kingsport’s Outdoor Water Park opening May 23

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is excited to announce its outdoor water park will open for the summer season on May 23.

Time to dig out those swimming trunks, grab your sunscreen and sunglasses and head on down to the Kingsport Aquatic Center for a day of fun in the sun.

The outdoor water park will remain open daily from May 23 through July 31 and then weekends only in August and September (until Labor Day). The outdoor water park is open weather permitting, while the indoor facility will be open during most inclement weather.

Season passes are now on sale for the summer season. Our season pass entitles you to use the indoor pools and outdoor water park during the summer season.

Season pass holders and Kingsport Aquatic Center members also have early access to the Outdoor Water Park 30 minutes before the regular opening time (except Sundays). Season pass prices are as follows:

–          Lil’ Splasher (Under 48”) $100
–          Bigger Splasher (48″ and taller) $125
–          Master Splasher (age 55+) $100
–          Splash Pack (4-person household) $250 ($15/extra person within same household)

 

2026 Outdoor Water Park Hours

  • Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Season passes and memberships can be purchased by visiting www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the “CivicRec” link, then select “Aquatic Center” from the list. You can also purchase season passes and memberships in person at the KAC front desk.

To learn more about season pass and membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.

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Run the Streets 10K & 5K Road Closures

The first-ever “Run the Streets” 10K and 5K road race – hosted by Healthy Kingsport – will take place on Saturday, May 16 in downtown Kingsport.

Road closures due to the races will start around 7 a.m. on Saturday. The affected streets include but are not limited to:

  • Arch Street
  • Cherokee Village
  • Clinchfield Street
  • Lovedale Drive
  • Press Street
  • Roller Street
  • Sequoya Street
  • West Sullivan Street

Please see the attached maps for the race routes.

Traffic should expect temporary delays as vehicles will be worked through these areas by police officers as it is safe to do so. Road closures for the race will be lifted at the conclusion of the final race.

The city asks all vehicle traffic traveling in downtown Kingsport during this time to be extra vigilant for runners. For more information, please contact Kristie Leonard at 423-224-2821.

Kingsport Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

SUBJECT:  Kingsport Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint 

DATE:  May 14, 2026 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

In accordance with Tennessee state law and Kingsport Police Department guidelines, we are providing the following announcement:

 

To support the well-being of our community, the Kingsport Police Department will conduct a Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, May 29, 2026, at an undisclosed time in the Lynn Garden Community of Kingsport.

 

We encourage everyone to stay safe and avoid the serious consequences of impaired driving, including risks to health, employment, finances, and relationships. Please make responsible choices to protect yourself and others.

 

Our goal is to keep all drivers and families safe. Tennessee D.U.I. laws apply to alcohol and any substance that impairs driving, including illegal drugs, over-the-counter, and prescription medications. If you are unsure, please choose a safe way home.

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

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Kingsport PD Responds to Suspicious Activity (Update 5)

SUBJECT:  KPD Responds to Suspicious Activity (UPDATE 5)

DATE:  May 13, 2026

 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

 

UPDATE #5:

Andrew Mullen was identified as the primary suspect in the incident on Cooper Street. He was arrested for three (3) counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and is being held at the Sullivan County Jail. Any/all further charges are pending, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.

 

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:

 

UPDATE #4:

On the morning of Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, the Kingsport Police Department received anonymous tips about an abandoned residence on Cooper Street that allegedly had explosive chemicals inside. Our patrol officers responded to the address in question and observed several indications that the anonymous tips were accurate and that there could be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the abandoned house. Resident safety was our top priority throughout the response. The scene was immediately secured, and the evacuation of local residents who could be affected by potential explosion(s) began. Officers and support staff assisted residents during the evacuation, including providing transportation and access to support services and temporary shelter. Our Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Drone team, and Criminal Investigative Division began working in unison to determine the exact nature of the threat while at the same time going door-to-door to inform and assist with the temporary relocation of residents to Higher Ground Baptist Church on Lynn Garden Drive. Kingsport Central Dispatch issued alert notifications to approximately 70 phone numbers via Hyper-Reach, a service similar to what is commonly called “reverse 9-1-1.”

During all the above, a joint command post was set up at the Lynn Garden Community Center to serve as a temporary base of operations for first responders and support staff. Once residents were evacuated from the affected area around Cooper Street, our EOD team began to render any potential explosive devices safe by destroying them in place. Two confirmed explosive devices were destroyed. The nature of the complex and dangerous work EOD teams undertake requires them to be methodical. The teams at work on Cooper Street worked diligently and efficiently to ensure the best possible outcome for protecting lives and property endangered by these devices and substances. Early this morning, at approximately 12:30a.m., EOD personnel determined that residents could safely return home. The scene remained secured throughout the early morning hours, and the process of collecting evidence, cleaning up, and other post-blast investigative procedures continues at this time.

The Kingsport Police Department is deeply appreciative of the assistance and support from the FBI, TBI, ATF, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD), Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), Kingsport Fire Department (KFD), Sullivan County Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS), Kingsport Central Dispatch, Kingsport Parks & Recreation, and the American Red Cross. A special thank you to the congregation of Higher Ground Baptist Church and their pastor, Jason Dowdell, who graciously opened their doors to the displaced residents of the affected area. We are also grateful for the residents’ cooperation, who were patient and supportive of our first responders. Throughout this challenging event, the Kingsport community demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. Neighbors looked out for one another, supported evacuees, and quickly adapted to the unfolding situation. The sense of strength and togetherness shown by our residents has been a source of pride for our department and for the entire city.

At this time, a suspect has been identified and is in custody, and there is no immediate threat to public safety related to the incident on Cooper Street. The identity of the suspect may be released at a later date. The Kingsport Police Department will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Future information will be shared with residents through official press releases, the department’s website, and social media channels. We encourage residents to monitor these sources for updates.

 

UPDATE #3:

The Kingsport Police Department has completed the initial investigation of the incident on Cooper Street. The affected area is considered safe at this time, and citizens may now return home. A police presence will remain in the area as this remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further details will be released at this time.

 

UPDATE #2:

As the investigation into the device/substance on Cooper Street continues, the Kingsport Police Department asks for citizens’ patience. Situations involving suspicious devices/substances are complex and take time. As of this update, we do not have a timeframe in which the all-clear will be given. Those who have been displaced from their homes on Cooper Street are being provided with resources until we can ensure they can return safely. We will continue to work with local agencies and our state and federal partners to resolve this incident as efficiently as possible. Further updates will be provided as the situation continues to develop.

 

UPDATE #1:

The Kingsport Police Department is actively investigating a suspicious device/substance at a residence on Cooper Street. All residents have been evacuated to a safe location. Citizens are asked to continue avoiding the area of Cooper Street until the all-clear is given. We are coordinating with additional local, state, and federal agencies and will provide further updates as the situation develops.

 

INITIAL RELEASE:

The Kingsport Police Department is currently on scene at Cooper Street addressing a public safety concern. Specialized teams have been mobilized, and a joint command post has been established. Residents in the affected area are being evacuated and temporarily relocated to a safe location while the matter is being investigated. This is an active and ongoing investigation; no further information will be released at this time.

SUSPECT INFORMATION

 

Name: Andrew Mullen

Age: 33

Gender/Race: Male/White

Hair/Eyes: Brown/Blue

Height/Weight: 6’4″/190lbs

Charges:

  • Three (3) counts: Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony (T.C.A. 39-17-1324)

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

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City of Kingsport to celebrate Public Works Day 2026

The City of Kingsport will host its annual Public Works Day at the Farmers Market on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is being held during National Public Works Week (May 17-23) – a week-long celebration started by the American Public Works Association in 1960 to show the public the importance of public works in their daily lives.

This year’s theme is “Rooted in Service. Powered by Community,” which acknowledges the roots of service run deep in public works and is what has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve.

“Some work—like building roads and bridges—is highly visible, while other public works contributions—like maintaining water and sewer systems—are sometimes hidden from view,” said Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds. “Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.”

In all, about 50 pieces of equipment will be on hand during the event, including automated garbage collection trucks, a trash grabber truck, mini street sweeper, leaf collection equipment, sewer camera vans, a directional drill machine, mowers, a backhoe and mini paver.

Kids will be able to take a short trip up in a bucket truck, attempt to pick up a tire with a grabber truck, hook a metal pin with a backhoe or attempt to drop a tennis ball into a bucket with a Gradall machine.

All divisions within public works will be represented and employees will be on hand to demonstrate the equipment and answer questions from the public. Several presentations explaining essential daily operations will take place throughout the event.

In addition to the heavy equipment, activity stations will be set up to allow children to paint sign replicas of manhole covers, look through microscopes to see bacteria and see how cameras go through sewer pipes. Kids can also play in the large sandbox, run through a water sprinkler and visit the “Then & Now” display to see public works equipment of today and in the past.

Kingsport’s Public Works Department is the largest, non-school related, department in the city with approximately 360 employees. The department includes water and sewer, streets and sanitation, building maintenance, traffic, fleet maintenance, GIS, engineering, stormwater, IT, Transit and the Metropolitan Transportation and Planning Organization.

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Sculpture Walk 15 unveiled along Kingsport Greenbelt

Kingsport Cultural Arts is excited to announce the 15th Sculpture Walk has been installed and is ready for the viewing public to enjoy.

The Sculpture Walk is a program where the city leases sculptures from artists across the country to put on display within the city. This year, Kingsport Cultural Arts is bringing five new sculptures to the Model City.

The sculptures can be found along the Kingsport Greenbelt by the Holston River. This year’s sculptures include:

“We Are the Current” by Jessica Bradsher

Bradsher is a nationally exhibiting outdoor sculptor and high school art teacher from North Carolina. Her work explores the relationship between human experience and the natural world. Often described as “drawing on the sky,” Bradsher’s sculptures trace invisible lines that inspire a sense of openness and etherealism.

“Arc of the Moral Universe” by Ray Moore

Moore is a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis. He is a retired non-profit administrator and an ordained Episcopal priest living in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Moore began working with glass in the mid 1970’s using both lead and copper foil as connecting materials, and after retiring, he and his wife formed Appalachian Warmglass.

“Bear Went Over the Mountain” by Jim Gallucci

Gallucci has been a sculptor for 40 years and works full time designing, creating and fabricating sculptures in his Greensboro, North Carolina studio assisted by a staff of five. Jim enjoys creating sculpture that is related to people, places and events and his commissions can be found in public, corporate and residential spaces throughout the country.

“Lastdance” by Hanna Jubran

Jubran is the owner of J&H Studio Inc. and is currently a Sculpture Professor and Sculpture Area Coordinator at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Hanna’s work addresses the concepts of time, movement, balance and space. Each sculpture occupies and creates its own reality influenced by its immediate surroundings.

 “Alabama Octet” by Daniel William Millspaugh

Millspaugh, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, obtain his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Ceramics) and Masters of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from the University of Miami, which led to a career as a teacher at the university.

A talented artist, Dan’s work has been showcased around the world and remains on display to this day across the United States and countries abroad in both public and private collections. His use of mediums ranged from painting and ceramics, cast bronze, aluminum, and iron, to film, the camera and even fabric. Sadly, Millspaugh passed away in 2021 following a 20-year battle with prostate cancer.

You can also use the online Sculpture Walk Trail at www.artskingsport.org/trails. Here, you will find out the location of each sculpture, information about the artist and some insights into each creation.

The Sculpture Walk was made possible through a grant from the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee