KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knoxville Police are investigating a brutal assault at a South Knox apartment complex.
Officers say the attack happened around 1:30 p.m. Thursday inside an office at Southside Flats Apartments. A woman reported that a man entered the office and struck her multiple times with a tire iron before leaving.
Police have identified the suspect as 29-year-old John Hearns III, who is now charged with aggravated assault and simple assault.
The victim suffered severe but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities say the circumstances leading up to the assault remain unclear. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
- Call: (865) 215-7165 or toll-free at 1-877-363-8847 (1-877-36ETTIPS). (You can also dial **TIPS from most mobile carriers).
- Text: Text “ETTIPS” followed by your tip to the number 738477.
- Online: Submit a secure web tip through the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers portal.
- Mobile App: Download the P3 Tips app on your smartphone
