KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Respond to Major East Stone Drive Motor Vehicle Collision (2nd UPDATE)

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

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

A 2007 Kia Sedona minivan, driven by Tracey Y. Noe and occupied by two children, ages 10 and 12, had been traveling west on East Stone Drive and was stopped in the turn lane preparing to turn left into the shopping complex directly across East Stone Drive from the Kingsport Pavilion/Target Shopping Center. For unknown reasons, a westbound 1995 Chevrolet Suburban full-size sport utility vehicle, driven by Catherine S. Arnold, apparently neither slowed nor stopped for the traffic ahead and struck the Kia in the rear.

The Kia was propelled forward diagonally across the intersection into the lanes that turn left from eastbound East Stone Drive into the Kingsport Pavilion/Target Shopping Center, where it side-swiped a 2011 Honda CRV compact sport utility vehicle, driven by Tammy S. Gilbert with passenger, Ricky C. Gilbert. The Kia careened off the Honda and came to rest after colliding head-on with a 2008 Lexus RX350 compact sport utility vehicle, driven by Peggy H. Rasnake.

Ms. Arnold, the driver of the Suburban, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S.

All three occupants of the Kia, received significant injuries and were transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. Ms. Noe and the 10 year old child received serious injuries and are currently both listed in stable condition. The 12 year old child received life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition. Both children have since been air-lifted to another medical facility.

All three occupants of the other two vehicles received possible injuries, but did not require medical treatment at this time. All occupants of all four vehicles involved in the crash appear to have been properly restrained by their seatbelts.

Several lanes of East Stone Drive were closed for approximately four hours but normal traffic flow resumed at approximately 5:45 PM.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit with possible charges pending. Investigators are asking for anyone who witnessed the crash who has not yet been interviewed to please contact them at 423-224-2750.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit