David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

As previously released:

On April 30, 2020 at approximately 6:30 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Westfield Drive in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival, Officers located a 14 year old black male juvenile with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

K.P.D. Detectives responded to the scene. Their subsequent investigation revealed that the juvenile was shot by Lazarith E. Freeman, who had since retreated to the Sevier County/Knox County area following the incident. Mr. Freeman was also believed to be wanted on several unrelated preexisting charges from the Sevier County area.

With the assistance of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and other law enforcement agencies, Mr. Freeman is now in custody. He has been charged with Felony Reckless Endangerment and Tampering with Evidence in connection to this morning’s incident in Kingsport.

Neither the suspect nor the victim are residents of Kingsport; however, both were believed to be acquainted prior to the shooting. This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. To protect the integrity of that investigation and not hinder future prosecution, no further details regarding this incident will be released at this time.

20 Years of Age

Kodak, TN

2) Tampering with Evidence

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton