The Search for the Man Wanted for First-Degree Murder is Over, He’s Arrested in Oak Ridge

Posted on July 22, 2024

7/24/24 UPDATE: Wanted Juan Carlos Diaz Perez has been taken into custody. He was located and arrested near the Oak Ridge Quarry by the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force. Diaz Sanchez is being transported back to Knoxville.

The KPD appreciates the U.S. Marshals Service, Oak Ridge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the 7th Judicial Drug Task Force for their assistance.

7/23/24 UPDATE: The victim from the murder at a home in the 1200 block of Mercer Street has been identified as Suceli Perez, 18. It is believed that the victim died by blunt force trauma, pending Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy.

Update: Warrants are on file charging Diaz Perez with first-degree murder.

The body of the victim was found in the bed of the Diaz Perez’s truck that was recovered in Oak Ridge. The identity of the victim, an adult woman, is being withheld at this time.

Efforts remain ongoing to locate Diaz Perez in the area of Wisconsin Avenue in Oak Ridge. The search has been assisted by the Oak Ridge Police Department, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal Service.

Anyone who sees Diaz should not approach him and call 9-1-1.

Original Story: Knoxville Police Department detectives are investigating a suspected homicide that happened at a home on Mercer Street.

On Monday afternoon, KPD received a third-party report that a man had gravely injured his girlfriend at a home in the 1200 block of Mercer Street. Homicide Unit detectives and Forensics personnel responded to the home, where they located evidence of a potentially deadly assault.

The victim or suspect were not at the scene when officers arrived.

The suspect has since been identified as Juan Carlos Diaz Perez, who is shown in the attached picture. He left the scene in a white pickup truck, which was located by Oak Ridge Police Department officers at a park in the Oak Ridge area a short time ago, off of the Oak Ridge Turnpike near Sweet Gum Lane. The suspect was not found with the truck and efforts are underway to locate him.

Anyone who see Diaz Perez is asked to call 9-1-1.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

KPD ‘Juveniles’ Believed to Be Involved in Lonsdale Area Shooting

Posted on July 22, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Police are investigating following a shooting Sunday night in the Lonsdale area.

KPD officers responded just after 8:00 p.m. to the 2100 block of Cornelia Cartwright Avenue. KPD officials say officers found multiple shell casings in the street in that area and a 16-year-old male who sustained a minor gunshot wound to his back.

KPD says detectives believe the incident involved a group of juveniles but that the victim was reportedly uncooperative with investigators.

The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No charges have yet been filed.

*A 16-year-old was injured with a minor, non-life-threatening gunshot wound, but was reportedly uncooperative with investigators*. (*Courtesy: KPD*)

Knoxville Mayor Kincannon Endorses Kamala Harris

Posted on July 22, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

Kincannon taking to Facebook Monday afternoon with the announcement saying “as a Democratic delegate to the party’s national convention, I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President.”

Kincannon’s announcement comes on the heels of speaking to reporters Sunday night during which she declined to say which candidate she would support at the national convention and after President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred nominee following his campaign-ending announcement.

The Tennessee Democratic Party announced that its delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention had voted to support Harris.

(*Courtesy*: *City of Knoxville / Mayor Indya Kincannon*)

KPD: Acid Spill on North Peters Road Prompting Additional Road Closures

Posted on July 22, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 2:00 P.M.: Multiple agencies are on the scene and a stretch of Kingston Pike is closed to traffic as cleanup is underway following a tractor-trailer spill Monday morning on North Peters Road.

Knoxville Fire Department officials say crews responded at approximately 11:45 Monday morning, confirming that the truck spilled hydrochloric acid in the roadway.

Kingston Pike is closed between Cedar Bluff and Ebenezer, and traffic is being diverted. Fire officials say North Peters Road could be closed for several hours into overnight depending on how much material is in the truck.

Police and fire officials are asking that you avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hydrochloric acid “is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.” Exposure can lead to eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation.

ORIGINAL STORY: A tractor-trailer leaking acid is prompting road closures currently in Knoxville.

Knoxville Fire Department officials say crews responded to a HAZMAT situation on North Peters Road at approximately 11:45 Monday morning.

KFD has confirmed that the tractor-trailer started leaking hydrochloric acid.

Road closures are in place in the area of Kingston Pike and North Peters Road. Police and fire officials are asking that you avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible.

Courtesy / WVLT Volunteer TV Sports

Todd Helton immortalized in Baseball Hall of Fame

Posted on July 22, 2024

Helton becomes first former Tennessee Vol enshrined in Cooperstown

Courtesy / WVLT Volunteer TV Sports By John Sartori

COOPERSTOWN, NY (WVLT) – There may not have been a tougher moment in Todd Helton’s baseball life than what he had to do on Sunday in front of thousands in Cooperstown, New York.

It’s something the Vol For Life has shied away from at every opportunity, talking about himself. On Sunday, Helton had no choice, becoming a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

“Those of you who know me know I’d be more comfortable doing anything other than standing up here, talking about myself,” Helton said.

The Rockies legend spent the majority of his speech thanking those who helped raise him to Cooperstown.

“You don’t get to play Major League Baseball or dream of getting to the Hall of Fame without people who support you,” Helton said. “My wife, Christy, we did this together.”

From there, Helton thanked his Mother Martha and his late Father Jerry.

“Mom, thank you for all the time you put in to helping me get here,” said Helton. “I now see how much you sacrificed to help me live out my dream. You watched more baseball than most big league scouts…Thank you so much.”

“My Dad passed in 2015. This would have meant as much, if not more to him than it does me,” Helton said. “My Dad made me believe I could stand up here today.”

Helton is the first Tennessee Volunteer to make the Baseball Hall of Fame. He is just the second Colorado Rockies player in the Hall.

Photo Courtesy of WVLT

Tennessee’s Senators Calling for President Biden to Resign

Posted on July 22, 2024

Tennessee’s two United States Senators are calling for President Joe Biden to resign after making the announcement he will no longer seek to run for re-election.

Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty each say Biden should resign immediately if he isn’t capable of running for re-election.

Biden says he is intent on completing his term.

President Joe Biden announcing he would no longer be running in the 2024 presidential election.

The move comes after several Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, reportedly pushed for it.

Several of East Tennessee’s lawmakers releasing statements shortly after the president’s announcement yesterday (Sunday).

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon saying it’s takes courage to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs saying if Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president. He needs to RESIGN NOW!

Republican Representatives Tim Burchett, Diana Harshbarger along with Democratic Representatives Gloria Johnson and Steve Cohen all expressing their thoughts for and against the President’s decision.

Knoxville Police Make an Arrest and the Investigation into a Shooting at a Shell Station Continues

Posted on July 22, 2024

An investigation is underway and Knoxville Police arrest a man in connection to a shooting a Shell Convenience store near downtown Knoxville.

Officers called to the parking lot of the station on Summit Hill Drive Saturday night for a shooting. Police believe that two men were fighting which led to shots being fired.

One man was hit in the leg and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 23-year-old Dereke Upton was arrested after being found in a home on Laurans Avenue Saturday night. He is charged with aggravated assault.

Photo courtesy of WVLT

The Hancock Sheriff’s Department is Searching for an Escaped Inmate

Posted on July 21, 2024

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an inmate who escaped the Hancock County jail.

Five inmates escaped Wednesday, all but Jason Holden Collins have been captured. Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO at 423-733-2249.

According to HCSO, the inmates escaped around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday. HCSO has identified the escapees as Casey Denim, Todd Carroll, Jason Holden Collins, John Benton III, and Adam Bailey.

Two of the five inmates, Adam Bailey and John Benton III, have been captured and returned to the jail. HCSO said on Friday evening, it was confirmed that Casey Denim and Todd Carroll were also captured.

HCSO does not know if Collins is armed.

An Investigation is Underway Following a House Fire in East Knoxville

Posted on July 21, 2024

This afternoon (Sunday), at 4:19 PM, the Knox County Emergency Communications District received a call from a male who stated that his home was on fire. The caller advised that he believed the fire was in his basement.

On the arrival of KFD Engine 6, the officer reported smoke coming from the front door. After a brief investigation, a fire was discovered in a bedroom in the basement of the home. Crews immediately went to work and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of the initial call to 911.

The home has suffered moderate fire damage in the basement and smoke damage throughout.

The home was occupied by three adults: two males and one female. No one was at home at the time of the fire. One of the adult males had just returned home and discovered the fire.

The American Red Cross is assisting the occupants.

No injuries were reported.

The Knoxville Fire Department Investigations Unit is on the scene, working to determine a cause.

Tennessee Lawmakers React to News President Biden Will Not Seek Re-Election

Posted on July 21, 2024

Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he would no longer be running in the 2024 presidential election.

The move comes after several Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, reportedly pushed for it.

Several of East Tennessee’s lawmakers released statements shortly after the president’s announcement. WVLT News is collecting those statements here in real-time as they are released.

Knoxville-area Mayors

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs (R)

For months, Democrats denied Biden suffered from cognitive decline. Now that they can no longer hide it, they’re kicking him to the curb. But the problems go deeper than one man. It’s doesn’t matter who they run, this country needs

@realdonaldtrump

back in the White House. https://x.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1815087648999907473

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon (D)

It takes courage and humility to step aside and pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Putting his country first will be Joe Biden’s legacy.

I want to thank President Biden. Since he took office, Knoxville has secured more than $100 M in federal grants for affordable housing, reducing gun violence, safer streets, & planting trees.

From our $42.6 M Reconnecting Communities grant, to capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, President Biden has made a huge positive difference in the lives of everyday people.Mayor Indya Kincannon on X (formerly Twitter)

State Representatives

Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper

Today, we acknowledge a significant moment in our nation’s history as President Joe Biden has announced his decision not to seek re-election. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering service to our country. Throughout his tenure, he has kept his commitment to the American people, delivering on numerous campaign promises that have led to substantial progress in our society.

President Biden’s leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring. We thank him for his steadfast resolve and the positive changes he has championed.

In his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President, we see a continuation of this legacy of leadership and progress. Vice President Harris has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in her role, and her experience and vision make her an outstanding candidate to lead our nation forward.

I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we will work to ensure a brighter future for our country.

Thank you, President Biden, for your service and commitment. And thank you, Vice President Harris, for your unwavering dedication. We stand with you as we embark on this new chapter for America.Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus

In 2020, while everyone around me was choosing sides and lining up behind their preferred Democratic candidates for President, I patiently awaited the entry of Vice President Joe Biden into the race. Once Vice President Biden entered the race, I was locked in and vowed that I was Ridin’ with Biden come hell or high water.

Today, as President Joseph R. Biden announces his intention not to seek re-election, I am saddened but I am forever proud of having supported the man who defeated Donald Trump and restored hope in America. President Biden delivered for the American people on election night in 2020 and every day during his term in office. Our nation is better today because President Biden served.

The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Biden’s legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better.

At this critical moment with so much on the line, we must unite as a party and deliver for the American people. The path ahead is clear. We have one objective and that is to make sure that Donald Trump does not return to the White House.

Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better.Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus

Rep Marsha Blackburn (R)

Finally, Joe Biden has realized what the rest of the American people and even his own party already knew—he is not only the wrong leader for America, but is wholly incapable of doing the job of President of the United States. But he didn’t go far enough. https://x.com/VoteMarsha/status/1815083933001781323

Rep. Tim Burchett (R)

Due to the President’s condition, I did not see any other path forward. https://x.com/RepTimBurchett/status/1815084816804589731

Rep. Gloria Johnson (D)

Merely shared a photo https://x.com/VoteGloriaJ/status/1815088954980589966

Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R)

Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection confirms what I and many of my colleagues have known for years: Joe Biden is unfit to lead.

Though Democrats and the media have ignored the President’s rapid decline in mental and physical health for months, his decision to drop out of the race is an overt admission of his poor condition and his inability to serve out the rest of his term as President of the United States.

I could not agree more with President Trump and Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance who have repeatedly said that if Joe Biden is not fit to run for reelection, he is not fit to be commander-in-chief.Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R)

Rep. Steve Cohen (D)

Kamala Harris has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump ! https://x.com/RepCohen/status/1815100989420269831

Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R)

It is no secret President Biden’s health has been in decline for quite some time. I am glad to see that he has made the best choice for himself, his family, and for the country.Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R)