The man involved in an officer-involved shooting in Anderson County is sentenced and will spend time behind bars.
27-year-old Dylan Phillips is accused of leading Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office on a chase in December of last year.
The chase ended on I-75 when Phillips pulled over and pointed a weapon at officers who fired at him.
He pleaded guilty to several charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest and has been sentenced to four years in prison.
There’s new information about the suspect in a multi-county chase which gives more insight into what happened.
WVLT News obtained the arrest report for Paxton Tassell, which outlines what police say happened after he left the Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville.
Tassell was driving Jeep Wrangler when he led officers in Knox County on a chase which crossed into Loudon County early Sunday morning.
Officials say the Jeep was going over one hundred miles per hour and Loudon County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were able to use a PIT maneuver where they box the suspect in with their cruisers, causing him to stop and Tassell was taken into custody.
Deputies suspected Tassell was under the influence and found an open alcoholic beverage under his driver’s seat.
He is charged with driving under the influence, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest and other traffic offenses.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The City of Knoxville and the Knoxville Community Development Corporation will now look for other ways to fund an East Knoxville project after losing the money with the “Big, Beautiful Bill” passing in Washington, D.C.
“Obviously it’s disappointing,” CEO of KCDC Ben Bentley said.
The $42.7 million project would provide accessible options for people to get from East Knoxville to downtown and South Knoxville.
Bentley said this part of Knoxville relies of walking and public transportation to get to work and school.
“We know that a lot of low-income families, moderate-income families and some of the ones that we serve at our housing sites rely on being able to walk or use public transit so we wanted to build out some of those connection in ways that currently don’t exist,” Bentley said.
With the loss of this grant, one of the biggest federal grants the city has received in recent history, Bently said they’ll start exploring other options to pay for the project.
Federal funding streams come in on a continual basis, but we’ll continue to scour those. They’re might be the appetite for some private philanthropy in certain spots and of course the two largest sources of revenue on the local level for the city are property tax and then sales tax,” Bentley said.
Knoxville city council just passed a proposed half a cent sales tax increase. It’ll be on the ballot for voters to decide on in November.
Some people in Knoxville feel the loss of the grant will allow city officials to essentially restart on its future plans for East Knoxville.
“What if we started in the center of East Knoxville. What if we used that $42 million to do affordable housing, put in grocery stores, line some of the main streets with restaurants, with businesses,” executive director of I Am the Voice of the Voiceless, Viven Shipe says.
Shipe added the investment should be to invest in adding more in East Knoxville rather than giving people options to go to different parts of the city.
“We have an opportunity to change it to develop it where it is best for all of the people that are in that area,” Shipe said.
The project would add a greenway from the Old City to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, going through neighborhoods and Harriet Tubman Park.
It’d also provide ways for people to get to South Knoxville including to the Urban Wilderness and Baker Creek Preserve.
Bentley said the project will likely take another five to ten years to figure out with the loss of this grant.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball program will once again be well represented in the 2025 NBA Summer League.
Nine players who finished their careers at Tennessee will compete in the NBA2K26 Summer League. Action is slated for July 10-20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas.
All 30 NBA organizations will take part in the annual event. Seven will feature one Volunteer, while one (Detroit) has two VFLs on the roster.
Each team will play four games from July 10-17, before the playoffs and consolation affairs take place over the final three days, giving every team a five-game guarantee. The event will feature a total of 76 contests across the 11 days, all of which will be televised on the ESPN family of networks or NBA TV.
Kennedy Chandler (2021-22) | Houston Rockets A Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman Team designee in his lone season at Tennessee, Chandler was the No. 38 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The 2022 SEC Tournament MVP played 36 NBA games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022-23. Most recently, he spent the 2024-25 campaign with Raptors 905 in the NBA G League. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game on the year, while shooting 45.5 percent from the floor.
Jordan Gainey (2023-25) | Phoenix Suns After finishing his two-year Tennessee career by earning SEC All-Tournament and NCAA All-Midwest Region All-Tournament accolades, Gainey signed with the Suns to begin his professional tenure. He is one of four players on the Volunteers’ 2024-25 roster, on which he was the third-leading scorer at 11.6 points per game, who will participate in the NBA2K26 Summer League.
Josiah-Jordan James (2019-24) | Indiana Pacers Following a superb five-year career at Tennessee in which he amassed 1,270 points across 144 appearances (123 starts), James started his professional career last season with the Indiana Mad Ants. The rookie produced 6.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, plus shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts per game. This will be James’ second year in a row playing for the Pacers in Las Vegas.
Tyreke Key (2022-23) | Toronto Raptors A 15-game starter who averaged 8.2 points per game in his lone campaign as a Volunteer, Key spent the recent 2024-25 season as Chandler’s teammate with Raptors 905. During his first year in the G League—he spent his first professional season in Belgium—Key averaged 5.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. He shot 50.0 percent from the floor and 37.8 percent beyond the arc.
Dalton Knecht (2023-24) | Los Angeles Lakers After averaging 21.7 points per game in his lone season in Knoxville, the SEC Player of the Year and consensus First Team All-American went No. 17 to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht played in 78 games as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.1 percent overall, including 37.6 percent from long range. The 2023-24 Julius Erving Award winner scored 20-plus points seven times for the Lakers, with 32-plus twice. In three 2025 California Classic Summer League contests, Knecht averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.0 minutes per game.
Chaz Lanier (2024-25) | Detroit Pistons Lanier went No. 37 in the 2025 NBA Draft after his lone campaign at Tennessee, in which he won the Jerry West Award and SEC Newcomer of the Year. An NABC and The Sporting News Third Team All-American, Lanier averaged a team-best 18.0 points per game on the season before the Pistons made him their lone 2025 draftee. He has already signed a contract with Detroit.
Jahmai Mashack (2021-25) | Memphis Grizzlies The final pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, No. 59 overall, Mashack’s draft-day trade to the Memphis Grizzlies officially went through July 6. The co-winningest four-year player (109) in Tennessee history is staying in-state to begin his professional career after collecting SEC All-Defensive Team status as a senior. In two games at the 2025 Salt Lake City Summer League, Mashack averaged 8.0 points, 5.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.0 block in 23.7 minutes per game.
Jaden Springer (2020-21) | Utah Jazz The No. 28 overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft after his lone season on Rocky Top, Springer has played in 110 games over his four years in the NBA. A 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, he was traded to the Houston Rockets last year and then made his way to the Utah Jazz. Springer appeared in 17 games for the Jazz during the final months of the season, averaging 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest. Across two appearances in the 2025 Salt Lake City Summer League, Springer produced 5.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.5 assists in 15.4 minutes per game.
Zakai Zeigler (2021-25) | Detroit Pistons Fresh off one of finest careers in Tennessee history, Zeigler signed with the Pistons, for whom he will play alongside Lanier to begin his professional tenure. Zeigler, a three-time All-SEC selection and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, left Tennessee as the program’s career leader in assists (747) and steals (251).
NBA2K26 SUMMER LEAGUE TV SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 10 Pacers [James] vs. Cavaliers (5 p.m., NBA TV) Lakers [Knecht] vs. Mavericks (8 p.m., ESPN)
Friday, July 11 Grizzlies [Mashack] vs. Celtics (4 p.m., NBA TV) Pistons [Lanier/Zeigler] vs. Knicks (6 p.m., NBA TV) Jazz [Springer] vs. Hornets (7 p.m., ESPN) Raptors [Key] vs. Bulls (8 p.m., NBA TV) Suns [Gainey] vs. Wizards (9 p.m., ESPN) Rockets [Chandler] vs. Clippers (10 p.m., NBA TV)
Saturday, July 12 Pacers [James] vs. Thunder (5:30 p.m., NBA TV) Lakers [Knecht] vs. Pelicans (8:30 p.m., ESPN2) Grizzlies [Mashack] vs. Trail Blazers (10:30 p.m., ESPN2)
Sunday, July 13 Suns [Gainey] vs. Hawks (3:30p, NBA TV) Pistons [Lanier/Zeigler] vs. Rockets (4 p.m., ESPN2) Raptors [Key] vs. Magic (6 p.m., ESPN2) Jazz [Springer] vs. Warriors (10 p.m., ESPN2)
Monday, July 14 Rockets [Chandler] vs. Hawks (4:30 p.m., NBA TV) Pacers [James] vs. Bulls (6 p.m., ESPNU) Jazz [Springer] vs. Spurs (8:30 p.m., NBA TV) Suns [Gainey] vs. Kings (10 p.m., ESPNU) Lakers [Knecht] vs. Clippers (10:30 p.m., NBA TV)
Tuesday, July 15 Pistons [Lanier/Zeigler] vs. Timberwolves (4:30 p.m., NBA TV) Raptors [Key] vs. Nuggets (8 p.m., ESPN+) Grizzlies [Mashack] vs. Warriors (10:30 p.m., NBA TV)
Wednesday, July 16 Suns [Gainey] vs. Timberwolves (5 p.m., NBA TV) Jazz [Springer] vs. Wizards (10 p.m., ESPN)
Thursday, July 17 Pistons [Lanier/Zeigler] vs. Heat (4 p.m., NBA TV) Pacers [James] vs. Knicks (4:30, ESPN2) Grizzlies [Mashack] vs. Hawks (6 p.m., NBA TV) Rockets [Chandler] vs. Trail Blazers (8 p.m., NBA TV) Lakers [Knecht] vs. Celtics (9 p.m., ESPN) Raptors [Key vs. Warriors (10 p.m., NBA TV)
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 TBD
In addition, Olivier Nkamhoua, a Tennessee graduate who played four years for the Volunteers (2019-23) before grad-transferring to Michigan for his extra season of eligibility—his “COVID year”—in 2023-24, will play for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA2K26 Summer League. While Igor Miličić Jr., is a first-year member of the Philadelphia 76ers’ organization, he will not compete in the NBA2K26 Summer League due to injury.
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team will face Illinois in Nashville, Tenn., during its 2025-26 non-conference slate, as released Wednesday afternoon by bdG Sports.
The Volunteers and Fighting Illini will square off Dec. 6 at Bridgestone Arena. The game time and TV network—it will be on an ESPN channel—will be announced later.
“Our program is really looking forward to this matchup with Illinois,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “We have a great deal of respect for Brad Underwood and the Illini, and we know playing them will help prepare us for SEC action. The opportunity to compete in Nashville, a city filled with diehard Tennessee fans, is always special and we can’t wait to see Vol Nation pack Bridgestone Arena.”
The two programs are also in agreement to play another neutral-site game during the 2027-28 campaign, with that affair slated for Chicago. The game date and venue are still to be determined.
The 2025-26 contest will extend the streak to three consecutive seasons with a matchup between Tennessee and Illinois.
The Volunteers swept a home-and-home series over the last two years. Tennessee first claimed an 86-79 home victory on Dec. 9, 2023, and then knocked off the Fighting Illini, 66-64, on a Jordan Gainey buzzer-beater on Dec. 14, 2024, in Champaign, Ill.
Overall, Tennessee sports a 4-1 record versus Illinois. It is 3-0 at home and 1-1 on the road; the 2025-26 meeting will be the first between the two programs on a neutral floor.
The Volunteers are 36-44 all-time against the current Big Ten membership. In addition to beating Illinois last season, they also defeated UCLA, 67-58, March 22 in Lexington, Ky., in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Additionally, Barnes owns a 42-40 ledger versus the Big Ten’s 18 current institutions.
Tennessee is 21-14 at Bridgestone Arena, including 13-12 in the SEC Tournament and 8-2 in all other neutral-site contests. Of the latter 10 outings, eight came between 2000-01 and 2009-10.
The Volunteers’ game against Illinois is part of a two-day event, as Kentucky will play Gonzaga at Bridgestone Arena the prior night.
Tickets for the Tennessee/Illinois matchup will go on sale to the public July 18 at 11 a.m., HERE through Ticketmaster. For the latest information, fans can visit www.tennesseeillinois.com or follow @bdglobalsports on social media.
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
KNOXVILLE, TN – At approximately 3:00 AM this morning, the Knoxville Fire Department responded to a small fire on the exterior of Eternal Life Center, located at 1801 Western Avenue. Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze before it could spread to the interior of the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the structure sustained only minor damage.
As part of the ongoing investigation, fire investigators have obtained photographs of a potential suspect seen near the church around the time of the incident. These images are attached to this release.
The Knoxville Fire Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the attached photographs.
Anyone with information is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Callers can remain anonymous, and a cash reward of up to $2,000 may be available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
The Knoxville Fire Department appreciates the community’s support and cooperation in helping to resolve this case.
A former Oak Ridge Police Officer is facing 23 counts of official misconduct.
Zachary Gauthier is accused of using police systems for personal use while he worked at the department according to several grand jury indictments obtained by WVLT News.
Specifically, the indictments say Gauthier accessed Accurint, State Link System and the Flock System for personal gain in March and early April. Those systems track public records, and the Flock system is used by law enforcement to track license plates and vehicles.
Chief of Police Robin Smith says Gauthier was fired on April 24 after an internal investigation.
Knoxville City Council approves three major engineering projects, including upgrades to Middlebrook Pike.
Councilmembers approved an almost $4 million plan to implement the Advanced Traffic Management System to Middlebrook Pike during last night’s meeting (Tuesday).
The almost $4 million investment is the city’s first and will involve a high-speed fiber-optic network connecting 23 signalized intersections on Middlebrook Pike and University Avenue, between College Street to the east and Joe Hinton Road near the city’s western edge.
It will replace equipment that is at least 25 years old and will allow for real-time adjustments to traffic signals to improve traffic flow.
Construction is set to begin this fall and will be completed in the winter of 2027.
After this project is complete, officials say there will be similar investments along Chapman Highway, Kingston Pike and Broadway.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, city council authorized Mayor Indya Kincannon to amend an agreement with the state to advance a First Creek Greenway connection and to proceed with a hydrology study to better understand and manage flooding at Chilhowee Park.
Jefferson City is asking residents to help conserve water.
Officials say the demand during high summer temperatures is putting strain on the utility system.
Jefferson City Manger James Gallup says the city is just looking to ease the demand on the utility system and there is no issue with utility infrastructure or equipment.
He asked that people limit extra water use which means holding off on things like using lawn sprinklers or washing cars.
Also, quickly report any leaks by calling public works at 865-475-6617 or the water plant at 865-475-3251.
UPDATE: Knox County, TN – At the request of 6th Judicial District Attorney General Charme Allen, TBI agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday morning in Knox County.
Just after 9:00 a.m., deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a male subject at a residence in the 7300 block of Windtree Oaks Way in Knoxville. Preliminary information indicates that as deputies tried to take the man into custody, he brandished a knife, resulting in a Knox County deputy firing a shot, striking him. The man was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were injured during the incident.
TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement.
The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.
Original story: Knox County, TN (WOKI) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into an officer-involved shooting involving the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
This morning (Wednesday), officers from KCSO were attempting to serve an outstanding warrant in the 7300 block of Brook Run in South Knox County.
During the execution of this warrant, an incident occurred resulting in at least one shot being fired by the Sheriff’s Office.
The individual involved was struck in the hand and has been taken to the hospital for treatment. The injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, TBI has been called to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
