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KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Seeing Increase In Scams

SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Seeing Increase In Scams

DATE:  June 4th, 2024 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department has recently observed an increase in scams occurring. Since May 31st, 2024, there has been approximately $71,000.00 lost from residents due to scams. Although scams are different in how they are presented, the victim is typically elderly. Some of these scams include pop-ups on the victim’s computer alerting them that a virus has been detected and a request for money. The scammers will also request payment through Chime, PayPal, CashApp, and Bitcoin.

 

There have been two recent cases involved the scammer posing as a law enforcement officer. As a reminder, law enforcement will never immediately ask you to pay a fine or court cost over the phone. Law enforcement will not ask you to pay in gift cards, prepaid cards, Bitcoin, PayPal, CashApp, or Chime.

 

If you receive a phone call, text message, email, or pop-up message telling you that you are in trouble or a loved one is in trouble and asking you to send money immediately, do not. Do not communicate with the scammer; call Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111.

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

KPD e-News Release: Suspect Arrested After Setting Fire And Barricading Inside Home

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested After Setting Fire And Barricading Inside Home

DATE:  June 2nd, 2024

CASE #: 24-008469

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On June 2nd, 2024, at approximately 5:27 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Meadow Glade Circle. Officers were informed that a Matthew Purkey (age 34 of Kingsport) had been awake for days on methamphetamine, had set a fire in the residence earlier in the day, and had discharged a firearm in the residence in the evening, causing the call to 911. An adult female and three juveniles fled the residence without injury prior to officers arriving. Kingsport Officers surrounded the residence and established communication with Purkey.

 

Residents in the area were ordered to shelter in place as a precaution of this incident.

 

Purkey threatened to point a gun at officers in an attempt to commit “suicide by cop”.

 

Officers negotiated with Purkey throughout the stand-off.

 

At approximately 7:41 pm, Purkey agreed to surrender to officers and was placed in custody. Purkey was transported to the Kingsport City Jail for booking and processing.

 

The shelter in place was lifted following Purkey’s arrest.

 

Purkey was charged with aggravated arson and felon in possession of a firearm.

 

SUSPECT INFORMATION

Name: Matthew Purkey

Age: 34

Gender/Race: Male/White 

Residency: Kingsport, TN 

Charges: Aggravated arson, felon in possession of a firearm

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release KPD responds to serious crash involving motorcycle on W. Stone Dr. at C.E. Brooks Jr. Way

SUBJECT:  KPD responds to serious crash involving motorcycle on W. Stone Dr. at C.E. Brooks Jr. Way

DATE:  May 31st, 2024

CASE #: 24-008343

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On 5/30/2024 around 11:55 PM Patrol Officers of the Kingsport Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision on W. Stone Dr. at the intersection with C.E. Brooks Jr. Way.  Due to the serious nature of the crash, KPD Traffic Investigators were called to the scene.  Their subsequent investigation revealed the following:  A Toyota Tacoma driven by James Robinette (age 37) had been traveling eastbound on W. Stone Dr.  A Harley Davidson Motorcycle driven by Blake Paradise had been traveling westbound on W. Stone Dr.  The Toyota made a turn onto C.E. Brooks Jr. Way.  As the Toyota was making the turn, a collision occurred with the motorcycle.  Mr. Paradise suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.  No one was injured in the Toyota.  This remains an active and on-going investigation by KPD Traffic Investigators.  Investigators ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash contact the Kingsport Police Department at (423) 245-8911 or Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111. 

 

 

 

 

COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION

Vehicle #1

Make  Toyota

Model Tacoma

Year 2013

Type  Pickup truck

Color White

Damage Disabling damage

 

Driver Name  James Robinette

Age  37

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Mt. Carmel, TN

Injuries None

 

Vehicle #2

 

Make Harley Davidson

Year 2023

Type Motorcycle

Color White

Damage Disabling damage

 

Driver Name Blake Paradise

Age 32

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Rogersville, TN

Injuries Serious injuries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Lieutenant Justin McConnell

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Reminds Motorist How To Yield To Emergency Vehicles

SUBJECT:  KPD Reminds Motorist How To Yield To Emergency Vehicles

DATE:  May 31st, 2024 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department has been observing an increase in motorist not yielding properly, or not yielding at all to emergency traffic. The Kingsport Police Department wants to remind motorists that if you see approaching emergency vehicles from the rear, move as far right as possible and stop to allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely. If emergency vehicles are approaching an intersection, please stop to allow them to safely move through the intersection.

 

The Kingsport Police Department and other emergency services only run lights and sirens when there is an emergency call that is in need of immediate attention (overdose, crash with injuries, disturbances with weapons, or other life-threatening emergencies).

 

If the emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of a multiple travel lane road with it’s emergency lights activated, motorists should move as far left as possible. If you are unable to safely move to the left due to traffic, you should slow down to half the posted speed limit.

 

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RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Responds To Crash With Injuries On W. Stone Drive

SUBJECT: KPD Responds To Crash With Injuries On W. Stone Drive

DATE:  May 24th, 2024 

CASE #: 24-008028

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On May 24th, 2024, at approximately 2:50 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to a crash with injuries on W. Stone Drive near Teasel Drive. Investigating Officers determined that a 2020 maroon Nissan Rouge driven by Charles J. Clonce of Kingsport was traveling eastbound on W. Stone Drive. A 1999 gray Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Donald Raleigh of Mount Carmel, was traveling westbound on W. Stone Drive, and veered to the left, causing a head-on collision with the Rouge. Charles J. Clonce, his passenger (Frances M. Clonce), and Donald T. Raleigh were all transported from the scene by Sullivan County EMS for serious injuries.

 

Charges are pending in this investigation.

 

If anyone witnessed or has information about this crash, they are asked to 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

COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION

Make: Nissan

Model: Rogue

Year: 2020

Type: SUV

Color: Maroon

Damage: Front

Driver

Name: Charles J. Clonce

Age: 70

Gender/Race: Male/White

Residency: Kingsport

Injuries: Major injuries

 

Passenger

Name: Francis M. Clonce

Age: 69

Gender/Race: Female/White

Residency: Kingsport

Injuries: Major injuries

COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION

Make: Chevrolet  

Model: Silverado 

Year: 1999 

Type: Pickup 

Color: Gray

Damage: Front

Driver

Name: Donald T. Raleigh

Age: 53

Gender/Race: Male/White

Residency: Mount Carmel

Injuries: Major injuries

 

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RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

KPD e-News Release: Celebrate Public Safety Day June 3rd

SUBJECT: Celebrate Public Safety Day June 3rd

DATE: May 24th, 2024 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On Monday, June 3 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the Kingsport Police and Fire Departments will be hosting a Public Safety Day. Stop by the Kingsport Farmers Market, located at 308 Clinchfield Street in Kingsport, and join the emergency services as they showcase vehicles, specialized teams, equipment and more.

The Kingsport Police Department will not only have patrol cruisers on display, but will also feature their mobile command post, drone team and bomb squad truck and robot.

The Kingsport Fire Department will be bringing their ladder truck, HAZ-MAT gear along with equipment used by the technical and water rescue teams.

The Kingsport Lifesaving Crew and Sulivan County EMS will have their emergency vehicles on hand and a chance to look at the equipment housed in the back of an ambulance.

Inside the Farmers Market, attendees can grab a snow cone, pick up lunch from the Food City smoker and check out any of the demonstrations happening throughout the day. The demonstrations include:

–         K-9 Unit with Dog Demonstrations

–         Safety Topics (choking, bike safety, CPR)

–         Sparky the Fire Dog

Attendees can also visit the rescue gear station where they can learn about and try on different first responders equipment.

This event is open to the public and is a prime opportunity to meet and learn more about some of the hard working first responders who protect and serve the City of Kingsport.

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Now Hiring Female Jailer

SUBJECT: Kingsport Police Now Hiring Female Jailer

DATE:  May 21st, 2024 

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Polic Department is now taking applications for a female corrections officer from now until June 9th, 2024. Starting pay with no experience is $17.24 an hour. New hires will also receive 40 hours of vacation in their first year, and TCRS retirement. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and pass a pre-employment background check. Individuals interested in the position can go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingsport, and click on the corrections officer link to apply.

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RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Responds To Report Of Shooting On West Stone Drive

SUBJECT:  KPD Responds To Report Of Shooting On West Stone Drive

DATE:  May 16th, 2024 

CASE #: 24-007598

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On May 16th, 2024, Kingsport Police Officers responded to the area of Burger King, 4225 W. Stone Drive, in reference to shots being fired into a vehicle. Officers arrived and learned that a white male had discharged a firearm at a white Chevrolet truck, that fled the scene prior to officers arriving. Officers quickly located and detained a male suspect identified as, Jeffrey Cherowahya. Officers located the victim, identified as Timothy Blalock, and the white Chevrolet truck on Big Elm Road.

 

Officers determined that Cherowahya had displayed a firearm at Blalock and fired one shot at his vehicle. As a result of the initial investigation, Cherowahya was arrested for aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

 

No one was injured as a result of this incident. This is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public at large.

 

This is still an active and ongoing investigation.

 

If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to call Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111, or the Criminal Investigation Division at (423) 229-9429.

 

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

 

SUSPECT INFORMATION

Name:  Jeffrey L. Cherowahya

Age: 44

Gender/Race: Male/White 

Residency: Kingsport TN 

Charges: Aggravated Assault, reckless endangerment

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VICTIM INFORMATION

Name: Timothy Blalock 

Age: 39

Gender/Race: Male/White 

Residency: Kingsport, TN 

Injuries: None

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

KPD e-News Release: KPD Investigates Possible Drowning (Update)

SUBJECT:  KPD Investigates Possible Drowning (Update)

DATE:  May 16th, 2024 

CASE #: 24-006731

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: The William L. Jenkins Forensic Center of the E.T.S.U. James H. Quillen College of Medicine determined that Ronald Wayne Davidson died from an accidental drowning in the South Fork of the Holston River on April 30th, 2024.

 

As previously released:

The body found in the South Fork of the Holston River has been identified as, Ronald Wayne Davidson, of Kingsport. Davidson was believed to have been fishing in or around the river, and his cause of death is still under investigation. His body was sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center of the E.T.S.U. James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for a forensic autopsy.

 

 

As previously released:  

On April 30th, 2024, at approximately 6:45 pm, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a possible drowning on the South Fork of the Holston River at Riverbend Park. Kingsport Police Officers worked with Kingsport Fire and Kingsport Lifesaving crews to locate and recover the body from the river near the South John B. Dennis Highway bridge.

 

The body will be sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center of the E.T.S.U. James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for a forensic autopsy.

 

Currently, Kingsport Police Detectives do not suspect foul play.

 

This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.

 

DECEASED INFORMATION

Name: Ronald Wayne Davidson 

Age: 75

Gender/Race: Male/White 

Residency: Kingsport, TN 

Cause of Death: Accidental drowning

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

KPD e-News Release: Three Juveniles Struck By Vehicle

SUBJECT: Three Juveniles Struck By Vehicle

DATE:  May 15th, 2024

CASE #: 24-007523

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On May 15th, 2024, at approximately 2:50 pm, the Kingsport Police Department received 911 calls of multiple pedestrians being struck by a vehicle on E. Center Street at Park Street. Officers arrived on scene and learned that three Dobyns Bennett High School students were properly crossing E. Center Street at Park Street when a white sedan operated by another student ran the red light and struck them. All three juveniles were evaluated by Sullivan County EMS and were found to have minor to no injuries.

 

The driver was cited for failure to obey traffic control device.

 

Due to the age of all parties involved, names will not be released.

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

Corporal Brandon Johnson

Professional Standards Unit 

Kingsport Police Department

P: 423-229-9339

C: 423-534-1390

brandonJohnson@kingsportttn.gov

 

200 Shelby Street

Kingsport, TN37660

www.kingsporttn.gov

 

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee