Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

Two commercial truck drivers, Alex Erik Miller (42 year old black male adult of Edgewood, Maryland) and another individual (34 year old black male adult), whose identity will not be released at this point in the investigation, were each driving tractor trailers northbound on Interstate 81 approaching exit 63 (Airport Parkway) in Kingsport.

At some point, and for reasons still under investigation, the two moving tractor trailers came into contact with one another. The two drivers then pulled their respective tractor trailers to the side of the road. At some point that followed, and also for reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated resulting in Mr. Miller being fatally shot by the other individual. The identity of the other individual is known and he is cooperating with the investigation.

It is important to note that this appears to have been an isolated incident between these two individuals, and there is absolutely no reason to believe that anyone else is, or ever was, in any danger as a result of it.

Detectives request that anyone who may have witnessed the collision between the two tractor trailers, or any of the events that followed on the roadside, to please contact them as soon as possible in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

This remains an open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. Throughout this investigation, Detectives will share their findings and consult with the Office of the Second Judicial District (Sullivan County) Attorney General to determine what, if any, criminal charges may be applicable to this incident.

Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, absolutely no additional information can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On May 20, 2022 at approximately 4:45 PM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to northbound Interstate 81 at exit 63 (Airport Parkway) in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident involving two motorists.

It is important to note that this appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is absolutely no reason to believe that the public is in any danger as a result of it.

The roadway is open for travel; however, the large police presence associated with the investigation could create traffic congestion and delays. Motorists should plan accordingly and seek an alternate route if at all possible.

This remains an open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. As such, no further details can or will be released at this time.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton