SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested After Setting Fire And Barricading Inside Home
DATE: June 2nd, 2024
CASE #: 24-008469
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On June 2nd, 2024, at approximately 5:27 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Meadow Glade Circle. Officers were informed that a Matthew Purkey (age 34 of Kingsport) had been awake for days on methamphetamine, had set a fire in the residence earlier in the day, and had discharged a firearm in the residence in the evening, causing the call to 911. An adult female and three juveniles fled the residence without injury prior to officers arriving. Kingsport Officers surrounded the residence and established communication with Purkey.
Residents in the area were ordered to shelter in place as a precaution of this incident.
Purkey threatened to point a gun at officers in an attempt to commit “suicide by cop”.
Officers negotiated with Purkey throughout the stand-off.
At approximately 7:41 pm, Purkey agreed to surrender to officers and was placed in custody. Purkey was transported to the Kingsport City Jail for booking and processing.
The shelter in place was lifted following Purkey’s arrest.
Purkey was charged with aggravated arson and felon in possession of a firearm.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name: Matthew Purkey
Age: 34
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Charges: Aggravated arson, felon in possession of a firearm
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov
