KPD e-News Release: Aggravated Robbery Suspect Being Sought by K.P.D. Now in Custody

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

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

During the course of the robbery investigation, information was obtained by officers assigned to the Kingsport Police Department’s Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions that Mr. Nelms was traveling in a green Honda Accord in the company of a white female named Amanda N. Fogarty.

On October 2, 2014 at approximately 3:15 PM, Mr. Nelms was spotted sitting in the passenger seat of the described vehicle in the parking lot of Holston Valley Medical Center, located at 130 West Ravine Road in Kingsport. K.P.D. Patrol Officers and Detectives surrounded the vehicle.

Mr. Nelms exited the vehicle but refused to obey commands given by the officers. Despite being directed to the contrary, he first reached his hand into his pocket and then reached back into the vehicle. Justifiably fearing he might be reaching for a weapon, officers converged upon Mr. Nelms and placed him under arrest. The officers’ fears were confirmed when a folding knife was found just inside the vehicle within easy arm’s reach. The blade of the knife was locked in the open position.

In addition to the original charge of Aggravated Robbery, Mr. Nelms is now facing the charges of Aggravated Assault (3 counts) and Resisting Arrest.

Amanda Fogarty was located inside the Holston Valley Emergency Room and found to be under the influence of multiple prescription drugs. As such, she was arrested and charged with public intoxication.

Based upon the violent nature of Mr. Nelms original offense, additional information learned throughout the follow-up investigation, and Mr. Nelms’ non-compliance and furtive movements at the time of his arrest, the officers involved displayed a tremendous level of restraint during his apprehension.

As previously released on September 29, 2014:

On September 27, 2014 at approximately 9:15 PM, Kingsport Police Officers from the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions responded to Model City Apartments, located at 1000 Stonegate Road in Kingsport, in reference to an armed robbery of an individual. Officers spoke with the victim, a 24 year old black male, who had been invited to this location by Mariah Jean Holt, whom he had previously dated.

The investigation revealed that Ms. Holt had invited the victim to meet her via a series of text messages under the false pretense of a romantic rendezvous. When the victim arrived, rather than being greeted by Ms. Holt, he was approached by an individual later identified as Travis K. Nelms, Jr. who is Ms. Holt’s current boyfriend.

Mr. Nelms had concealed his face by wrapping a shirt around his head. He pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the victim and ordered him to strip off all of his clothing. Once the clothing was removed, Mr. Nelms stole a brand new iPhone 6 Plus from the pocket of the victim’s pants. Mr. Nelms then attempted to punch the victim but missed. In fear of being shot or otherwise assaulted, the victim fled from the scene, naked and on foot.

Mr. Nelms and Ms. Holt were quickly developed as suspects. Ms. Holt was located at Model City Apartments and was promptly arrested as a party to the crime of Aggravated Robbery.

Mr. Nelms is still at large. A warrant has been obtained, charging him with Aggravated Robbery. He is described as a 21 year old white male, approximately 5 feet, 10 inches in height and weighing approximately 170 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone knowing his whereabouts is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

21 Years of Age

1000 Stonegate Road, Apt. # R-15

Kingsport, TN

1) Aggravated Robbery

Additional Charges Incurred at Time of Arrest:

1) Aggravated Assault (3 Counts)

2) Resisting Arrest

24 Years of Age

1000 Stonegate Road, Apt. # R-15

Kingsport, TN

21 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit