Knoxville Police Have Identified Body Found in at Popular Knoxville Greenway

Knoxville Police Have Identified Body Found in at Popular Knoxville Greenway

Posted on July 28, 2023

UPDATE: The body that was recovered at Third Creek Greenway Park on July 15 has positively been identified as Jeffery Dean Mason, DOB 10/16/63. At this time, cause of death remains undetermined, pending further examination by the Regional Forensic Center. 

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Original story: KPD NEWS RELEASE: Update on Body Found at Third Creek Greenway Park

Knoxville Police Department detectives are continuing their investigation into the body that was found in the creek in Third Creek Greenway Park on Saturday, July 15, 2023. 

The discovery of the body was reported by a passerby walking on the greenway at around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night. 

Based on the Medical Examiner’s Office’s preliminary examination, foul play is not suspected at this time. 

Despite exhaustive measures, the male victim has not been positively identified and efforts to do so remain ongoing. The deceased had numerous unique tattoos, including the pictured tattoos. 

Anyone who might be able to identify the deceased based on those tattoos is asked to contact the KPD Violent Crimes Unit at 865-215-7317.  

Knoxville Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol are Teaming Up in a Traffic Enforcement Effort to Prevent Fatal Crashes

Knoxville Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol are Teaming Up in a Traffic Enforcement Effort to Prevent Fatal Crashes

Posted on July 28, 2023

Through the end of July, the Knoxville Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol will team up to conduct enhanced, high-visibility traffic enforcement in an effort to prevent fatal crashes.  

That initiative will run through July 31st and focus specifically on state routes in and around Knoxville, including I-40, I-75, Broadway Street, Pellissippi Parkway, Magnolia Avenue, Clinton Highway and Chapman Highway.  

“Keeping the roads safe is one of our top priorities,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “We will be vigorous and visible in our efforts to eliminate the reckless or careless behavior that makes the roads less safe. I appreciate our partners at THP for linking arms with us to deter serious, life-altering crashes.”  

As of July 26, there have been 30 fatal crashes in Knoxville with a total of 31 deaths, which is well ahead of last year’s pace. At the same time in 2022, there were 19 fatal crashes with a total of 19 deaths.  

The 2023 total includes five pedestrian fatalities and five motorcycle fatalities.  

Nearly 25 percent of this year’s fatal crashes have happened on either I-40 or I-75. Other roads with multiple fatal crashes this year include Magnolia Avenue (4), Chapman Highway (3), Alcoa Highway (2) and Broadway Street (2).  

Of the 21 fatalities so far in 2023 that were not pedestrians or motorcyclists, nearly 50 percent were not wearing seatbelts.  

The Knoxville Police Department reminds motorists to obey the rules of the road, reduce distractions and pay attention, slow down, buckle up and never drive while under the influence.  

KY Man Charged with Third DUI after Reportedly Hitting Police Officer’s Cruiser

KY Man Charged with Third DUI after Reportedly Hitting Police Officer’s Cruiser

Posted on July 27, 2023
Keith House, 56 (Tazewell Police Department)

Tazewell, TN (WOKI) A Kentucky man is facing a slew of charges after reportedly hitting a police officer’s car in Claiborne County.

Tazewell Police Department officials say 56 year-old Keith House of London, Kentucky ran an officer off U.S. Highway 25E Wednesday night after nearly colliding with his Dodge Charger police car. The officer pulled House’s vehicle over near Old Kentucky Road. Officials say the officer was outside his cruiser when House reportedly went in reverse and hit the police car.

Police say House is facing multiple charges to include his third DUI offense.

‘School Mania’ 2023 Hits Chilhowee Park Friday

‘School Mania’ 2023 Hits Chilhowee Park Friday

Posted on July 27, 2023
(Courtesy: Knox County)

Knox County, TN (WOKI) Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ “School Mania” will take place Friday, July 28 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park.

This year, while kids’ attendance is encouraged, it isn’t required; however, vehicles without children will be limited to four supply bags each.

Cars should enter Chilhowee Park on Knoxville Zoo Drive and follow a one-way traffic flow to exit on Magnolia Avenue.

Gates will open at 2:00 p.m., but distribution will not start before 3:00 p.m. Attendees must remain inside their vehicles the whole time they are on property.

Twenty-five hundred (2,500) bags, each valued at around $45, are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Former UT Coach Jeremy Pruitt Hired in Alabama

Former UT Coach Jeremy Pruitt Hired in Alabama

Posted on July 27, 2023
Pruitt fired in January of 2021 (Courtesy: WVLT)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Former University of Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt has been hired, but he won’t be returning to the college scene.

Our news partner, WVLT, reports Pruitt is now working as a PE teacher at Planview High School in DeKalb County in Alabama.

Pruitt was hired during a Thursday morning board meeting in a unanimous vote. His wife, Casey, was also hired by Planview High School as their Secondary ELA Intervention Teacher.

They’ll join Pruitt’s father who has been a long-time head football coach at PHS.

Jeremy and Casey Pruitt are expected to start Aug. 1.

Pruitt was fired from UT due to a variety of NCAA violations involving recruitment during his tenure.

Knoxville Woman Arrested for Indecent Exposure Outside of WCDC

Knoxville Woman Arrested for Indecent Exposure Outside of WCDC

Posted on July 27, 2023
Elizabeth Lea Laster, 28 (WCSO)

Jonesborough, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville woman is arrested in Washington County for flashing inmates housed inside the Washington County Detention Center.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office officials say 28 year-old Elizabeth Laster was charged with Indecent Exposure after deputies discovered her in the parking lot beside her vehicle exposing various body parts in the direction of the detention center. The Sheriff’s office says Laster told deputies that she came to the jail to visit her ex-boyfriend, an inmate at the facility.

Laster was booked into the WCDC without incident. Her bond was set at $1,000.

TWRA will be Conducting Off-Highway Vehicle Compliance Checkpoint in Campbell County

TWRA will be Conducting Off-Highway Vehicle Compliance Checkpoint in Campbell County

Posted on July 27, 2023

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be conducting an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) compliance checkpoint on the Campbell County section of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area on July 28, 2023, from 4-11 p.m.  

The checkpoint will be conducted in the Asbury’s Gate vicinity of Walnut Mountain on the Sunquist Unit.  Hooved animal riding, bicycling, and OHV use is permitted only by individuals possessing a valid hunting and fishing license and WMA permit, or a High Impact Conservation Permit.  Officers ask that you please be safe while riding the trail system and be mindful of and courteous to other riders.  Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets while riding on the WMA.

Knox County Schools Say Some Students Will be Repeating the Third Grade this Upcoming School Year

Knox County Schools Say Some Students Will be Repeating the Third Grade this Upcoming School Year

Posted on July 27, 2023

We now know the number of Knox County students who will be impacted by Tennessee’s new third grade retention law.

Knox County school officials say 32 students will have to repeat third grade this year under the new state law.

Third graders who didn’t score proficient on the English section of the TCAP test were given the option of a retake or summer school.

Knox County students head back to class on August 8th .

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