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KPD Searching for Missing Adult (Update: Found Safe)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  May 21st, 2025

CASE #: 25-006552

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Emily Davis has been found safe and is no longer missing. The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 27-year-old Emily Davis. Emily was last seen in July of 2023 and was only recently reported to the Kingsport Police Department as a missing person; she has been entered into N.C.I.C. and NamUs. Emily was also previously known as Paige Lea Laponsie.

 

Anyone with information on Emily’s whereabouts is asked to 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 Emily Davis

A.K.A. Paige Lea Laponsie

Age 27

Gender/Race Female/White

Residency Meadow Lane in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Meadow Lane

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

Kingsport Police Department Seeks Help Identifying Suspect in Armed Robbery

SUBJECT:  Kingsport Police Department Seeks Help Identifying Suspect in Armed Robbery 

DATE:  May 21st, 2025 

CASE #: 25-006831

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the evening hours of Saturday, May the 17th 2025. The location of the incident was the Marathon Gas convenience store at 1300 East Stone Drive. At this stage in the investigation, we are seeking any assistance from the public in identifying the suspect. The suspect was described by the store clerk as a black male who left in a red or maroon sedan.

 

Citizens with information relevant to this investigation are asked to 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 to not 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

 

SUSPECT INFORMATION

Gender/Race Male/Black 

Charges Aggravated Robbery

 

SUSPECT VEHICLE INFORMATION

Type Sedan  

Color Maroon/Red

 

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

 

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Adult Human Remains (Update: Remains Identified)

SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains (Update: Remains Identified)

DATE: May 19th, 2025

CASE#: 25-003401

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: The human remains discovered near the 3700 block of East Stone Drive on March 13th, 2025, have been identified as Lawrence Miller by the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center in Johnson City, TN. Lawrence was last seen in January of 2024 in Atlanta, GA. Lawrence had not been in contact with his family since that time. The manner of death listed post-autopsy was suicide.

 

As previously released:

 

On March 13th, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the 3700 block of East Stone Drive in Kingsport in reference to the discovery of human remains, believed to be that of an adult male, which were found in a wooded area.

 

The on-site investigation is ongoing, with assistance from Forensic Examiners with the East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine. No further details are currently available for release, as this is an active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.

 

 

 

VICTIM

Name Lawrence Miller

Age 39

Gender/Race Male/White 

Height/Weight 138/5’5″ 

Hair/Eyes Brown/Brown 

Residency Dalton, GA 

Last Known Location Atlanta, GA

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

KPD Searching for Missing Adult

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult

DATE:  May 19th, 2025

CASE #: 25-006552

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 27-year-old Emily Davis. Emily was last seen in July of 2023 and was only recently reported to the Kingsport Police Department as a missing person; she has been entered into N.C.I.C. and NamUs. Emily was also previously known as Paige Lea Laponsie.

 

Anyone with information on Emily’s whereabouts is asked to 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 Emily Davis

A.K.A. Paige Lea Laponsie

Age 27

Gender/Race Female/White

Residency Meadow Lane in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Meadow Lane

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Missing Adult (Update: Found Safe)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  May 15th, 2025

CASE #: 25-006016

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Thomas DeGroat Jr. has been found safe and is no longer missing. The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 33-year-old Thomas DeGroat Jr. Thomas was last seen walking on Fort Henry Drive on the afternoon of 05/07/2025.

 

Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to 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 Thomas DeGroat Jr.

Age 33

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Fort Henry Drive

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

KPD e-News Release Justice Center Closure May 14th, 2025

SUBJECT:  Justice Center Closure May 14th, 2025

DATE:  May 13th, 2025

 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Kingsport Justice Center at 200 Shelby St. will be closed to the public on May 14th, 2025.  Kingsport Municipal Court cases set for May 14th will be reset.  Those with cases on the docket will be notified of a new court date by phone or mail.  The KPD Records window will be closed for in person transactions.  Citations may still be paid online at Kingsporttn.gov.  Those with cases set in General Sessions or Juvenile Court are asked to contact the appropriate court clerk for information on case reset dates. 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Lieutenant Justin McConnell

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9499, Fax (423) 343-9749 

JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

 

 

KPD Searching for Missing Adult

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult

DATE:  May 13th, 2025

CASE #: 25-006016

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 33-year-old Thomas DeGroat Jr. Thomas was last seen walking on Fort Henry Drive on the afternoon of 05/07/2025.

 

Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to 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 Thomas DeGroat Jr.

Age 33

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Fort Henry Drive

 

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile (Update: Found Safe)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  May 7th, 2025 

CASE #: 25-006016

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Brayden Horne has been found safe and is no longer missing. The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 13-year-old Brayden Horne. Brayden is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on West Sullivan Street. Brayden is a white male and has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Brayden’s whereabouts is asked to 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 Brayden Horne

Age 13

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency West Sullivan Street in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location West Sullivan Street

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile (Rerelease)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (Rerelease)

DATE:  May 6th, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004430

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Rerelease: The Kingsport Police Department is still searching for Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford and seeking any information that could assist in locating her.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 15-year-old, Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford. Exenia is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Watterson Street. Exenia is a white female, last seen wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants. Exenia has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Exenia’s whereabouts is asked to 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 Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford 

Age 15

Gender/Race Female/White 

Residency Watterson Street in Kingsport TN 

Possible Clothing White shirt and gray sweatpants

Last Known Location Watterson Street

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

KPD e-News Release: KPD Searching For Runaway Juvenile (Rerelease)

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (Rerelease)

DATE:  May 6th, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004324

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Rerelease: The Kingsport Police Department is still searching for Johnay Watson and seeking any information that could assist in locating her.

 

As previously released:

 

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 14-year-old, Johnay Watson. Johnay is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on North Eastman Road. Johnay is a black female, last seen wearing a green “Boys in the Hood” long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Johnay’s hair is styled in long black and gold braids, and she has a heart tattoo on her right middle finger. Johnay has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

 

Anyone with information on Johnay’s whereabouts is asked to 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 Johnay Watson 

Age 14

Gender/Race Female/Black 

Hair/Eyes Black/Brown 

Residency Somewhere in Kingsport TN 

Other Description Last seen with hair styled in black and gold braids. Heart Tattoo on right middle finger. 

Possible Clothing Green “Boys in the Hood” long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans

Last Known Location North Eastman Road

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee