200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

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

15-026875 (Criminal Incident Report)

Based on the results of the investigation, Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Edward L. Hutchins, charging him with Reckless Aggravated Assault (2 counts), Driving Under the Influence, Driving on a Suspended License, Violation of Implied Consent, Failure to Comply with Financial Responsibility (No Insurance), Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, Driving Left of Center, and Violation of Seatbelt Law.

Mr. Hutchins was seriously injured in the crash and required immediate hospitalization and extensive follow-up out-patient treatment and care; therefore, the warrant was not served at that time. Officers have been monitoring his progress with plans to serve the warrant at an appropriate point in his recovery.

On March 11, 2016, three months to the day following the Stone Drive crash, Mr. Hutchins was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in an unrelated incident for Driving Under the Influence, Violation of Implied Consent, and Possession of a Schedule III Drug. He was transported to the Sullivan County Jail. The Kingsport Police Department learned of his arrest and incarceration and arranged to serve him with the outstanding K.P.D. warrant the following day.

Mr. Hutchins presently remains incarcerated in the Sullivan County Jail in lieu of a $26,750 bond.

For additional information on the December 2015 crash, please see previously released details below:

On December 11, 2015 at approximately 8:00 PM, Officers from the Kingsport Police Department’s Patrol Division and Traffic Unit responded to investigate a crash that had just occurred on West Stone Drive near the intersection with Sherman Place in Kingsport. Their subsequent investigation revealed the following:

A 2000 Buick LeSabre, driven by Edward L. Hutchins and also occupied by Anna B. Wagers, was westbound on West Stone Drive approaching Sherman Place. A 2001 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Brian L. Kanipe, was eastbound on West Stone Drive approaching Sherman Place from the opposite direction.

The Buick suddenly veered sharply left, crossed the center turn lane, entered the oncoming lanes of traffic, and struck the Toyota in a head-on impact. Both Mr. Hutchins and Ms. Wagers received incapacitating injuries and were transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. Mr. Kanipe also sustained incapacitating injuries; however, he was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by friends and family.

Several lanes of West Stone Drive remained closed to traffic for over two hours until the crash could be properly investigated and the damaged vehicles could be towed from the scene. All lanes have since been reopened for normal travel.

An independent witness reported observing erratic driving by Mr. Hutchins just prior to the crash, and he was preparing to notify authorities when the crash occurred. Alcohol and drug use on the part of Mr. Hutchins is believed to be a significant contributing factor in this crash.

None of the individuals involved in this crash were wearing their seatbelt as required by law. Had these individuals been properly restrained, their injuries would likely have been lessened or even possibly avoided altogether. The Kingsport Police Department strongly encourages ALL occupants of ALL motor vehicles to wear their seatbelt ALL of the time. It is the law, but more importantly, it might just save a life.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit with charges pending. Further information will be released as it develops.

32 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

2) Driving Under the Influence

3) Driving on a Suspended License

4) Violation of Implied Consent

5) Failure to Comply with Financial Responsibility (No Insurance)

6) Driving an Unregistered Vehicle

7) Driving Left of Center

8) Violation of Seatbelt Law

Suspect

32 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit