Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) A Knoxville man who told police he was an FBI agent is arrested after a crash late Sunday night.
According to court records, authorities responded around 11:30 p.m. to a crash in the 8500 block of Trout Road in Knoxville finding 40-year-old Mark Stephenson who told police that two friends ran away from the scene after wrecking his truck.
The report indicates Stephenson, who had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, resisted arrest for a time telling deputies he was “a federal agent with the FBI.”
Deputies later found keys to the truck in Stephenson’s pocket, and investigators found a damaged mailbox on Shipe Road that was “consistent with the front end damage” on Stephenson’s truck.
Stephenson was charged with DUI, resisting arrest and leaving the scene of an accident.
Our news partner, WVLT News, reached out to the FBI office in Knoxville, but a spokesperson said the FBI doesn’t confirm employment as a standard practice.
Oak Ridge, TN (WOKI) A Oak Ridge man is convicted of multiple charges including attempted voluntary manslaughter after shooting at a woman in July 2023.
Officials with District Attorney General Dave Clark’s office say 59-year-old Kevin Dwayne Steen, Sr. was convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter and drug charges on June 30th following a weeklong trial.
Steen stood accused of shooting at the woman after a verbal argument ensued on or about July 30, 2023.
The Anderson County Grand Jury issued indictments against Steen in June 2024. District Attorney General Dave Clark said he was convicted on June 30, 2025 on the following:
Attempted voluntary manslaughter
Possession of a weapon by a violent convicted felon
Reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon
Tampering with evidence
Maintain dwelling
Possession of Schedule II drug (cocaine) for resale > .5 grams
Possession of drug paraphernalia
“We are grateful to the efforts of Assistant District Attorney Kevin J. Allen and all of those who helped bring justice to the victim in this case,” Clark said.
Steen is set to be sentenced on September 29, 2025.
In July 2023, Kevin Dwayne Steen, Sr. shot a woman after a verbal argument. (Courtesy: DistrictAttorney General Dave Clark’s Office)
Clinton, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 7/14: A Clinton man at the center of a TBI Silver Alert has been found safe.
Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say 72-year-old Norman Lindamood was found safe Monday afternoon.
TBI issued the alert after reporting that Lindamood had last been seen in Clinton on July 13 and that he suffers from a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Clinton man.
The Clinton Police Department says 72-year-old Norman Lindamood was last seen on July 13 and is believed to be on foot.
He is 6’0″, 215 lbs., with hazel eyes and is bald.
If you have any information, please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
An investigation is underway after a person dies after what officials are calling an underground incident at the Young Mine in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says Nyrstar reported the incident early Saturday morning at its Young Mine off West Highway 11E in New Market.
Response teams say one employee was unaccounted for but all the other employees were safely evacuated from the mine.
Yesterday, (Sunday) Nyrstar said that the unaccounted employee had died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Nyrstar operates three underground zinc mines in East Tennessee in Knox and Jefferson counties and ore from the three mines is processed into zinc concentrate at the Young mine site.
ATLANTA – It was a record-setting night for the Tennessee baseball program on Sunday during Day 1 of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft in Atlanta.
The Volunteers led all schools with a program-record eight players selected in the opening three rounds of this year’s draft, including four first rounders in Liam Doyle, Gavin Kilen, Andrew Fischer and Marcus Phillips.
UT’s four first-round picks were also a program high and were tied with Arkansas for the most of any school in this year’s draft. Tennessee’s seven players picked in the first two rounds led all programs and was a school record, as well.
Arkansas, LSU and Florida State, who all had four players taken on Sunday night, were the next closest programs to the Big Orange in terms of total players selected on Day 1.
Headlined by first rounders Doyle and Phillips, five of UT’s eight selections were pitchers, setting another highwater mark for the program. Prior to Sunday night, the most pitchers picked in the first three rounds of any draft was two in 2022 and 2006.
More information on each of Tennessee’s draft picks can be found below.
The final 17 rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft take place on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m. and will be streamed on MLB.com. For the most up-to-date information on this year’s draft, follow Tennessee Baseball on social media (@Vol_Baseball on X / Instagram and Tennessee Baseball on Facebook). Fans can also follow each pick with the MLB Draft Tracker.
2025 Tennessee Draft Picks
DAY 1 (ROUNDS 1-3)
LHP Liam Doyle – St. Louis Cardinals – First Round – No. 5 Overall
After earning unanimous first-team All-America honors as a junior this season, Doyle became the 22nd first-round pick in program history and highest drafted player of the Tony Vitello era, going No. 5 overall to the St. Louis Cardinals. He is the seventh Vol to be selected in the first round under Vitello (2018-present) and is the first UT player to be selected by the Cardinals since Benito Santiago was picked in the 34th round of the 2018 draft.
The flamethrowing lefthander is widely considered to have the best fastball in this year’s draft and finished his junior campaign ranked second in the nation with a Tennessee program record 164 strikeouts while his 15.64 strikeouts per nine innings led the NCAA. Doyle posted a 10-4 record and 3.20 ERA in 19 appearances (17 starts) to help lead Tennessee to its fifth consecutive NCAA super regional.
The Derry, New Hampshire, native, was just the third Vol to ever garner SEC Pitcher of the Year honors and was also the third player in program history to be named a finalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, joining UT legends Todd Helton (1995) and Chris Burke (2001). His impressive list of accolades also included being named the Perfect Game National Pitcher of the Year and the NCBWA District 3 Pitcher of the Year.
SS Gavin Kilen – San Francisco Giants – First Round – No. 13 Overall
Kilen became the eighth first rounder of the Vitello era after being selected with the 13th pick in the first round by the San Francisco Giants. He is the second-highest drafted position player to be selected under Vitello behind Christian Moore, who was taken with the No. 8 overall pick by the Angels in the 2024 draft. Kilen joins fellow shortstop Maui Ahuna (fourth round – 2023) as the second player during Vitello’s tenure to be picked by the Giants.
Kilen made the most of his lone season on Rocky Top, earning All-America honors from three different outlets and ABCA Southeast All-Region accolades in 2025. The Milton, Wisconsin, native, led the team with a .357 batting average and four triples. The junior middle infielder also ranked second on the team in OPS (1.112), homers (15), total bases (141) and slugging percentage (.671) despite missing 12 games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury. The versatile infielder was also a first-team All-SEC selection after racking up 32 extra-base hits and a career-high 46 RBIs.
3B Andrew Fischer – Milwaukee Brewers – First Round – No. 20 Overall
Fischer was the third Volunteer selected in the opening round, tying the program record from 2007. Like Doyle, the junior slugger was tabbed a unanimous first-team All-American as a junior in 2025 during his lone season with the Vols. With the pick, Tennessee has now had players selected by the Brewers in the first round in back-to-back years after Blake Burke went 34th overall to Milwaukee in 2024.
Fischer put together one of the most complete offensive seasons in program history, leading the Big Orange in OPS (1.257), runs (70), home runs (25), RBIs (65), total bases (165), slugging percentage (.760), on-base percentage (.497) and walks (63). His 63 walks tied Chase Headley’s program record from 2005 while his 25 long balls led the SEC and were the second most in a single season in UT history.
The Manasquan, New Jersey, native, was the only player in the country to reach base in every game, getting on in all 65 contests. Fischer’s marks in homers (third), walks (fourth), slugging percentage (11th) and total bases (18th) all rank in the top 20 nationally.
RHP Marcus Phillips – Boston Red Sox – First Round (CB-A) – No. 33 Overall
Phillips became the Vols’ record-setting fourth pick of the first round, being selected as a competitive balance pick with the 33rd overall selection by the Boston Red Sox. He is the fourth Tennessee pitcher to be taken in the first round under Vitello and pitching coach Frank Anderson, joining Doyle, Chase Dollander (2023 – Colorado Rockies) and Garrett Crochet (2020 – Chicago White Sox).
The hard-throwing righthander had a breakout season in 2025, staking his claim in the weekend rotation. Phillips started all 17 weekends for the Big Orange and finished the year with a 3.90 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 98 strikeouts over 83.0 innings. Phillips was a 2025 Perfect Game Midseason All-American and named the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Week on March 18.
RHP AJ Russell – Texas Rangers – Second Round – No. 52 Overall
One of the most talented arms in this year’s draft, Russell was the third UT hurler to come off the board after being selected by the Texas Rangers with the 52nd overall pick in the second round. The Franklin, Tennessee, native, is third Tennessee player to be drafted by the Rangers under Vitello, joining pitcher Jackson Leath (12th round – 2021) and outfielder Dylan Dreiling (2nd round – 2024).
Despite being limited in 2025 while working his way back from offseason elbow surgery, Russell still put up solid numbers as a junior, posting a 3.55 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 25.1 innings of work. Following his debut season in 2023, Russell earned freshman All-America honors from three different outlets and was also named an NCBWA Third-Team All-American after recording a 0.89 ERA in 24 appearances. He struck out 47 and issued just seven walks over 30.1 innings, primarily as a reliever on Tennessee’s College World Series squad.
During his three seasons at UT, Russell finished with a 2.70 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 70.0 innings pitched (42 appearances, 11 starts) while holding opposing hitters to a .179 batting average.
SS Dean Curley – Cleveland Guardians – Second Round – No. 64 Overall
The starting shortstop on the Vols’ national championship team as a true freshman in 2024, Curley was selected in the second round with the 64th overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians. He is the 10th Tennessee position player to be taken in the top two rounds under Vitello.
The California native was a freshman All-American and earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors in 2024 before posting an impressive sophomore season in 2025 in which he started all 65 games and batted .315 with 14 home runs and 51 RBIs, all of which ranked top four on the team. During his two seasons on Rocky Top, Curley hit .301 with 46 extra-base hits, 26 homers, 101 RBIs and 76 walks.
RHP Tanner Franklin – St. Louis Cardinals – Second Round (CB-B) – No. 72 Overall
Franklin made it four Volunteer pitchers taken in the first two rounds after being selected as a competitive balance pick by the St. Louis Cardinals at No. 72 overall. The hard-tossing righthander is the seventh Tennessee hurler to be picked in the opening two rounds under Vitello and Anderson.
The Jefferson City, Tennessee, native, boasts a 100-plus MPH fastball and was one of the Vols most relied upon relievers in 2025. Franklin struck out 52 batters in 38.2 innings pitched with a 1.27 WHIP and had two saves over 27 appearances during his lone season in Orange and White.
RHP Nate Snead – Los Angeles Angels – Third Round (SUP) – No. 105 Overall
Snead rounded out the Vols’ night one selections, going to the Los Angeles Angels with the final pick of the night at No. 105 overall. The junior righthander the sixth Vol to be drafted by the Angels during the Vitello era, joining the likes of Christian Moore (first round – 2024), Zach Joyce (14th round – 2023), Ben Joyce (third round – 2022), Garrett Stallings (fifth round – 2019) and Zach Linginfelter (ninth round – 2019).
Snead was one of Tennessee’s most trusted relievers during his two-year stint with the program and played an instrumental role on the Vols’ 2024 national championship team, earning ABCA Southeast All-Region honors that season after going 10-2 with a 3.11 ERA and six saves.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, posted an impressive 14-2 record and 11 saves in 52 appearances during his two years on Rocky Top after starring at Wichita State as a freshman in 2023.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI/KFD) – This (Monday) morning at 3:05am, Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to 3100 Sanderson Road for a residential fire. Knox County Communications District received a call that a residence was on fire. It was reported that the back right side of the home had flames coming from the house.
The 2 occupants were home at the time of the fire and were woken up by their smoke alarms, which were able to evacuate safely .
When crews arrived on scene, they were met with fire and heavy smoke. The first crew on scene was able to get to the fire quickly and begin firefighting operations. The fire was extinguished in 10 minutes, and crews began to overhaul. The house suffered significant fire, smoke and water damage and is currently uninhabitable.
There were no injuries to fire crews to report.
Knoxville Fire Investigators are on scene trying to determine a cause.
This is a good reminder to have working smoke detectors in your home, so you can be alerted to, especially while residents are sleeping.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – A man convicted of attempted first-degree murder after shooting at a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper in January has been sentenced.
On January 12th, troopers saw Eugenio Abraham Solis Klarks, 31, driving 97 mph on I-75 North in Loudon County, according to the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office.
Solis Klarks was pulled over at a gas station off of Exit 81, and after giving troopers his Guatemalan Consular ID card, he drove away, leading police on a chase exceeding 100 mph into Knox County and off the Watt Road exit.
After crossing Watt Road, Solis Klarks lost control and crashed, prompting troopers to order him to show his hands. Officials said Solis Klarks got an assault rifle from his car and aimed it at one of the troopers.
Troopers and Solis Klarks exchanged gunfire, and as he ran toward the interstate entrance ramp, another trooper fired more rounds and hit Solis Klarks in the legs.
Solis Klarks was taken into custody and received medical treatment. No troopers were injured in the incident.
“This defendant has been held accountable because of the professionalism of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation,” said District Attorney Charme Allen.
Solis Klarks was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, and he was ordered on Thursday to serve 18 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
(Story courtesy of WVLT) – The school year is quickly approaching here in East Tennessee, with most students getting back to learning in late July or early August.
In preparation for the 2025-26 school year, Tennessee is holding it’s annual tax-free holiday at the end of July. Parents will be able to get some good deals on school supplies, clothes and technology.
Below is a list of East Tennessee school systems’ first days back in the classroom:
University of Tennessee
Monday, Aug. 18 (First day of school)
Alcoa City Schools
Friday, July 18 (First day of school)
Anderson County Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (First day of school)
Blount County Schools
Thursday, July 31 (First day of school)
Campbell County Schools
Thursday, Aug. 7 (First day of school)
Claiborne County Schools
Wednesday, Aug. 6 (First day of school)
Clinton City Schools
Friday, Aug. 1 (Dismissal at 11:30)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Cocke County Schools
Friday, Aug. 1
Cumberland County Schools
Monday, Aug. 11 (First day of school)
Fentress County Schools
Thursday, July 31 (first day of school)
Grainger County Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (Early dismissal)
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (First full day of school)
Greene County Schools
Wednesday, Aug. 6 (First day of school)
Hamblen County Schools
Thursday, July 31 (11:15 a.m. dismissal)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Hancock County Schools
Friday, Aug. 1 (9:30 a.m. dismissal)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Hawkins County Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (11:30 a.m. dismissal)
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (First full day of school)
Jefferson County Schools
Wednesday, Aug. 6 (Early dismissal)
Thursday, Aug. 7 (First full day of school)
Knox County Schools
Thursday, Aug. 7 (1/2 day for students)
Loudon County Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (First day of school)
Lenoir City Schools
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (Staggered start last names, A-K)
Wednesday, Aug. 4 (Staggered start last names, L-Z)
Maryville City Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (Staggered start last names, A-K)
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (Staggered start last names, L-Z)
McMinn County Schools
Friday, Aug. 1 (10:30 a.m. dismissal)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Monroe County Schools
Friday, Aug. 1 (Dismiss at 10 a.m.)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Morgan County Schools
Monday, Aug. 4 (Early dismissal)
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (First full day of school)
Roane County Schools
Thursday, July 31 (1/2 day for students)
Monday, Aug. 4 (First full day of school)
Scott County Schools
Friday, Aug. 8 (First day of school)
Sevier County Schools
Friday, Aug. 8 (First day of school)
Union County Schools
Wednesday, Aug. 6 (Staggered start, last names A-J)
Thursday, Aug. 7 (Staggered start, last names K-Z)
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office releases a message from their Deputy, Dalton Swanger, who was seriously injured while responding to call. KCSO updates and information follows Deputy Swanger’s message.
A message from Deputy Swanger-
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, and I haven’t had the chance to speak to everyone directly. First, I want to start by thanking each and every one of you who stood by me through this experience.
To the UT Medical staff, my brothers and sisters at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and my friends and family who tirelessly stood by my side and told me it was going to be okay — thank you.
To the entire team at On Patrol: Live, thank you for constantly checking in on my well-being.
To Stephania, my girlfriend — you stood by my side with unwavering strength. You had no obligation to be there, especially as much as you were, but you remained with me 24 hours a day with wholehearted determination that I would recover. That love will never be forgotten.
To every stranger who reached out by mail or third party — your prayers carried me through some of the darkest moments of my life.
To the fans of On Patrol: Live — your outpouring of love, support, and prayer was overwhelming. Every letter, every kind word made me feel more confident that I would return.
To everyone who contributed, helped organize, or supported the fundraisers — your assistance is invaluable to me and my family.
And above all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for renewing my faith and showing me that even when I don’t deserve His grace, it still falls upon me. He is my true strength.
⸻
What Happened
Many have asked about my injuries and what exactly happened that night. Here is a brief summary, to the best of my ability and with the most accuracy I can provide.
We responded to what was originally dispatched as a shots fired/domestic call. After contacting the complainant, we began searching for the alleged suspect. As we announced our presence, we were met with a violent and aggressive verbal response. It was incredibly dark — I could barely see. Once the suspect began making verbal threats, I stopped using my flashlight in order to avoid giving away my position and potentially becoming a target, should he have been armed.
Then, I began to hear objects landing around us. At the time, I didn’t know what they were. I believed I was behind a tree to protect my head — but in the darkness, I may have been mistaken. The next thing I remember was an overwhelming pain in my head. I saw what looked like a green starburst, my body completely locked up, and I fell. I couldn’t move.
I didn’t know if I had been shot or what had happened. As I was being dragged out of the woods by my partners, I felt something running down my head — which, I later learned from video footage, was blood. I was loaded into the ambulance, but I noticed my left leg had stopped functioning from the knee down.
While being transported, I suffered a grand mal seizure. To my knowledge, it lasted approximately an hour, resulting in hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). That is the last thing I remember prior to waking up in the hospital.
⸻
My Diagnosed Injuries:
• Depressed Skull Fracture
• Cerebral Contusion
• Disc Protrusions in my cervical spine
• Intracranial Contusion
As a result, I was placed into a medically induced coma for several days.
⸻
A Few Things I Want to Address:
1. The Incident Being Shown on TV
I know some people feel incidents like mine shouldn’t be aired on television. I respectfully disagree. Policing is complex — difficult to explain to those who haven’t lived it.
As deputies, we wear many hats. Every day on duty is different from the last, and you never know what the next call will bring. Sometimes, police work is terrifying, chaotic, and immediate, and things unfold in ways no one can prepare for. On that night, On Patrol: Live captured a moment that most people will never see — a raw, real, and violent side of policing that we hope never happens, but must always be ready for.
⸻
2. Why One Officer Stayed With Me, and One Didn’t
Some people have questioned why both officers didn’t stay to administer aid. From an officer’s perspective, this was absolutely the correct call. The suspect was still at large and remained an active threat — not just to us, but to the public. One officer rendered aid while the other continued to address the threat. This is how we are trained, and this is how lives are saved — including mine.
⸻
3. Am I Coming Back?
Yes. Unequivocally, yes.
This job has been my dream and passion since I was a kid. I remember watching The Fast and the Furious and deciding at 5 years old that I wanted to be a cop. There is no greater honor than waking up every day and putting on this uniform to serve my community.
Helping one person have a better day or making the community just a little bit safer — that gives my life meaning. I’m blessed and proud to call myself a Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy, and as long as God allows me to do this job, I will continue to do it with everything I have.
⸻
A Final Thought
This whole experience reminds me of a quote from Sons of Anarchy:
“There is an old saying: That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I don’t believe that. I think the things that try to kill you make you angry and sad. Strength comes from the good things: your family, your friends, the satisfaction of hard work. Those are the things that will keep you whole. Those are the things to hold onto when you are broken.”
To all of the incredible people, institutions, and moments that gave me something to hold onto when I was broken — thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper.
KCSO Deputy Dalton Swanger, his girlfriend Stephania
Messages from KCSO regarding Deputy Swanger’s recovery.
UPDATE 12 – July 3, 2025 | 4:20 pm
Deputy Swanger is HOME, and we couldn’t be happier! Thank you for all the prayers. To the medical staff at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, our wonderful community, and the OP Nation for everything done on Deputy Swanger’s behalf. We are incredibly grateful to you all!
Deputy Swanger will continue to rehabilitate at home and is looking forward to being strong enough to have visitors and getting back to work with his shift!
We are grateful to report that Deputy Swanger has been moved to a room and is doing remarkably well. He will likely be going home in the near future. Deputy Swanger asked that we tell all of you who have prayed for him, those who have contributed to the approved fundraisers, and those who donated food/snacks for his shift, as well as the nurses and support staff, that he is eternally thankful for each one of you. He is blessed to be on the road to recovery and knows it is all because of the prayers.
Update 10 – June 30, 2025 | 2:50 pm
Deputy Swanger remains at UT in the ICU, but his condition is continuing to improve. As his recovery journey progresses, we will move our official updates to a once-a-week schedule, allowing Deputy Swanger and his family to focus on his health and rehabilitation while giving them as much privacy as possible. We know the prayers carried him to this point and will continue as he recovers. On behalf of everyone at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, we are forever grateful for the prayers, love, support, and monetary contributions on behalf of Deputy Swanger and his family.
Update 9 – June 28, 2025 | 8:00 pm
Deputy Dalton Swanger’s Recovery-
We are pleased to share the uplifting news that Deputy Dalton Swanger is awake and off the ventilator. He can speak and is doing well, though he faces a long road to recovery. The family and nursing staff request NO visitors to allow his medical team to work on his treatment and rehabilitation plan.
We are truly grateful for every prayer spoken on his behalf, the generous donations that will allow him to concentrate on healing, and the overwhelming love and well wishes from across the nation. Your support makes a difference in Deputy Swanger’s journey, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Please keep Deputy Swanger in your prayers as he works toward recovery. Your encouragement means the world to him and his family. Thank you for being a part of this strong, compassionate community.
Deputy Swanger remains in the Trauma ICU; he is critical but stable. We are happy to say he is improving each day. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude to everyone who is caring for him, those praying, and all of the acts of kindness shown.
UPDATE 7 – June 26, 2025 | 8:30 pm
Today has been a good day for Deputy Swanger. His nurses, doctors, therapist, girlfriend, and friends have been doing the heavy lifting while the community is praying fervently. We’re seeing progress, so keep those prayers coming. To everyone who has prayed, donated, and sent well wishes, “thank you” will never be enough! There’s a long road ahead, but with a support system like Deputy Swanger has, he won’t travel it alone.
UPDATE 6 – June 25, 2025 | 5:45 PM
Deputy Swanger remains in the Trauma ICU; his condition is critical but stable. Visitors have been further restricted as he needs to rest. On behalf of the family and everyone at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the prayers, support, and care shown since Saturday night have been heartwarming and incredibly humbling. Please continue to pray.
Approved Fundraisers:
– GoFundMe – Blue Line Tennessee
– Knoxville Tactical
– Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union
UPDATE 5- June 24, 2025 | 5:45 pm
Deputy Swanger continues to improve, making minor yet significant improvements. This healing journey will take time, patience, and continued fervent prayer. Remember his family, blood and blue, and his girlfriend, who is incredibly strong for him. We can’t thank the community, our sister agencies, and all our first responder friends for your care, concern, and prayers. Dinner was provided this evening for Echo Shift and Deputy Swanger’s family by the Firehouse Subs Cedar Bluff location. Additionally, want to extend our gratitude to the OP: Live Crew, Hosts, and OP Nation fans. Y’all have been exceptional!
UPDATE 4- June 23, 2025 | 6:00 pm
Deputy Swanger remains in the Trauma Intensive Care and has moved all of his limbs this morning. This is an improvement. We are grateful for his progress and understand that with a head injury like the one he sustained, it will take time. Thank you for your continued prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement. They mean so much to his family, friends, and blue family.
There is ONE approved GoFundMe established by Blue Line Tennessee Inc. If you suspect fraudulent fundraising efforts or would like to verify the validity of an organization or person raising money on Deputy Swanger’s behalf, please get in touch with Kimberly Glenn, Communications Director for KCSO, at [email protected] or Captain Aaron Yarnell at [email protected]
Back The Blue has coordinated a prayer vigil for tonight at 8 p.m. We will update you with additional information on Deputy Swanger’s progress as soon as possible.
UPDATE 3- June 22, 2025 | 10:55 pm
The condition of Deputy Swanger remains relatively the same. He continues to be in the Trauma ICU at this hour. With injuries of this nature, the recovery process requires time and patience. We at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support from our community and neighboring areas and the countless prayers and well wishes for Deputy Swanger that have poured in from every corner of the country.
Please know that we will continue to share updates as we can. In the meantime, we encourage you to thank the officers and deputies you may know for their unwavering service, courage, and selfless sacrifice. This profession demands individuals of remarkable character—those willing to put the safety and well-being of others above their own. Deputy Swanger embodies such qualities, executing his duties with utmost professionalism and a faithful servant’s heart.
Thank you to the medical and support staff at UT Medical Center for your dedicated care of Dalton during this challenging time. Your expertise and compassion are greatly valued.
UPDATE 2- June 22, 2025 | 12:15 pm
The suspect, Christpher Michael Hensley, 44, of Powell, has been charged with the following –
-Attempted second-degree Murder
-Aggravated Assault on First Responder -Domestic Assault
-Possession of a firearm with intent to go armed
-Manufacturing/delivering/selling/possession of a controlled substance
UPDATE- June 22, 2025 | 6:20 am
The suspect is in custody at this time. The Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. The suspect’s identity and list of charges will be forthcoming.
Deputy Swanger remains in the Intensive Care Unit. We appreciate your prayers and are grateful for the support from our community. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.
June 22, 2025
-Knox County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Incident Involving Injured Deputy-
Knoxville, TN — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an incident that occurred in the 7800 block of Stanley Road, where a complainant called 911 to report someone shooting just before 10:15 pm on June 21, 2025. When deputies arrived, there was an incident with the suspect, which resulted in injuries to Deputy Dalton Swanger.
During the incident, the suspect struck Deputy Swanger with a large rock or brick. Deputy Swanger was transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) for immediate medical attention. Upon arrival at the hospital, Deputy Swanger was confirmed to be in a critical condition.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for the suspect involved in this incident. Efforts are underway to gather further details about the circumstances leading up to the injury, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Sheriff Tom Spangler stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Swanger and his family during this challenging time. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter and are utilizing all available resources to apprehend the individual responsible. I am at the hospital with Deputy Swanger and asking our community to do what they do best, pray!
Knox County, TN (story courtesy of WVLT) – Just after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday July 9 Deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a shooting.
Kimberly Glenn with KCSO said that deputies were attempting to serve an outstanding warrant Wednesday morning on Windtree Oaks Lane in South Knox County off of Governor John Sevier Highway.
Glenn said that while officers were severing the warrant, an incident occurred resulting in at least one shot being fired by a deputy.
Court documents obtained by WVLT show that deputies were at the residence to serve a warrant on 49-year-old Brad Ellott Foster, who was wanted for violation of probation.
Foster is charged with 4 counts of aggravated assault, 4 counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon involved, 1 count of resisting arrest, and one count of attempted second degree murder, according to court records.
Officers said when they made contact with Foster, he was refusing to drop a knife in his hand and was barricaded in the bedroom. Officers said that Foster then moved the barricade and, threw the knife. He then grabbed a bayonet type sword and was waving it at officers in the doorway of the bedroom, according to court records.
Foster then threw the bayonet type sword hitting a officer, according to the court records.
Officers said that Foster continued to throw several knives and a metal spiked mace and chains at them.
Investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say at one point, an officer fired a shot, hitting Foster in the hand.
Foster was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The TBI has been called to conduct the investigation into the officer involved shooting.
We will update you with additional information on Deputy Swanger’s progress as soon as possible.
