Knoxville Police are Investigating a Fatal, Pedestrian-Involved Crash on Asheville Highway

Knoxville Police are Investigating a Fatal, Pedestrian-Involved Crash on Asheville Highway

Posted on September 25, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man has been charged after leaving the scene of a fatal, pedestrian-involved crash that happened during the overnight hours on Asheville Highway.

At just after 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the 4100 block of Asheville Highway near Yankee Street, where a currently unidentified man had been struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. The pedestrian died as a result of his injuries.

The involved vehicle, which was described by a witness as a blue sedan, left the scene prior to officer arrival. Through continued investigation and with the assistance of Flock license-plate readers, a vehicle matching that description was identified. Officers responded to the registered address for the vehicle on Holston Drive and found a blue Honda Civic with front-end damage and paint color that matched the paints chips that were found at the scene of the crash.

Officers then detained Abraham Briones, age 28. After questioning Briones, he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a class E felony, and driving without a license.

The crash remains under active investigation by KPD crash reconstruction investigators.

Josh Heupel Earns Bear Bryant Awards National Coach of the Week Honors
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Josh Heupel Earns Bear Bryant Awards National Coach of the Week Honors

Posted on September 25, 2024

HOUSTON – After leading fifth-ranked Tennessee to a 4-0 start for the second time in three seasons, head coach Josh Heupel has been named the Bear Bryant Awards Coach of the Week following the Volunteers’ 25-15 victory at then-No. 15 Oklahoma.

Heupel defeated his alma mater for his 10th ranked win at Tennessee, while improving to 31-12 overall (.721) in his four seasons on Rocky Top. He’s been victorious in 26 of his last 33 games. The Vols are one of two teams in the nation with two wins versus opponents ranked in the AP Top 25 at the time of game.

Heupel’s squad limited the Sooners 222 yards of total offense, while racking up three takeaways, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. Oklahoma managed only 36 yards on the ground, representing its fewest rushing yards in a game since logging 15 against Notre Dame on Oct. 27, 2012.

Offensively, Tennessee put up 345 yards of total offense, including 92 yards and a touchdown from running back Dylan Sampson. Max Gilbert booted three field goals and helped lift the Vols to their largest margin of victory (10) over a top-15 team on the road since topping No. 10 Georgia, 51-33, in Athens on Oct. 7, 2006.

Heupel, a two-time National Coach of the Year finalist, owns a 59-20 (.747) record in now his seventh season as a head coach.

The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, presents the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for their mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.

National Weather Service Says Radar Indicates Tornado Touch Down in Hancock County

National Weather Service Says Radar Indicates Tornado Touch Down in Hancock County

Posted on September 24, 2024

Hancock County (WOKI) The National Weather Service says radar indicates a tornado touched down in Hancock County.

They are sending a survey crew to Hancock County today (Wednesday) to assess the damage.

If it becomes a confirmed tornado, it would be the first recorded September tornado for East Tennessee.

It happened five-and-a-half miles east of Sneedville shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says it touched down in the area of Highway 70 and Highway 33 with uprooted trees in the area.

The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency says there were no injuries but trees are down across the area.

Several hundred people in Hancock and Claiborne Counties were without power.

Sevier County Deputies Take Man into Custody after $45,000 Scam, Sheriff’s Office Says

Sevier County Deputies Take Man into Custody after $45,000 Scam, Sheriff’s Office Says

Posted on September 24, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man following a scam investigation.

SCSO officials reporting the arrest happened on September 19 when deputies responded to Kerr Road after hearing about an online scam. The victim told the office they had been told to withdraw $45,000 in cash and take it home, where it would be picked up.

Deputies tracked down the suspect, 47-year-old Yuanbing Zhou, taking him into custody during a traffic stop; he was charged with felony criminal conspiracy.

SCSO says it’s not uncommon for scammers to request money from victims in the form of cash or gift cards and urge you NOT to comply with such requests but to call police immediately.

“This type of scam is very similar to others we have investigated in recent months,” Sheriff Michael Hodges said. “I encourage each of you to please spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are solicited through ANY means to pay a fine, fee, or money, for any reason, do not comply and contact your local law enforcement agency.”

Yuanbing Zhou, 47 (Courtesy: SCSO)
KPD: Officials Investigating Assault of Two Women Near UT Campus

KPD: Officials Investigating Assault of Two Women Near UT Campus

Posted on September 24, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man is arrested and an investigation is underway after two women are allegedly assaulted Monday morning near the University of Tennessee.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded to a call about an assault at Cumberland Avenue and 17th Street just before 9:00 a.m. The two victims, aged 18 and 20, say they were assaulted by a man, later identified as 43-year-old Brad Collins, in an unprovoked attack.

Police say the first victim stated that she was attempting to walk past Collins near University Liquors when he punched her in the right eye with a closed fist and choked her to the point she could not breathe, before letting go and running down the street. 

The second victim reported that she was walking on the sidewalk when Collins ran across the street towards her and also punched her in the eye with a closed fist.

Both victims were treated for their injuries.

Collins has been charged with one count of assault and one count of aggravated assault.

Brad Collins, 43 (Courtesy: KPD)
TBI Endangered Child Alert for Knoxville 5-Year-Old Ends with Dad in Custody

TBI Endangered Child Alert for Knoxville 5-Year-Old Ends with Dad in Custody

Posted on September 24, 2024

UPDATE: Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s endangered child alert for a five-year-old out of Knoxville is over.

Dejon Parker was found with his non-custodial father, 42-year-old Darrell Moore Jr. in Johnson City who is in custody.

Original Story: Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an Endangered Child Alert for a five-year-old boy missing out of Knoxville.

TBI making the announcement Tuesday afternoon says Dejon Parker is believed to be with his non-custodial father, 42-year-old Darrell Moore Jr.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-7165 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Jermod McCoy Named Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Jermod McCoy Named Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week

Posted on September 24, 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY – Coming off a dominant defensive performance in Tennessee’s victory over No. 15 Oklahoma this past weekend, sophomore defensive back Jermod McCoy has been named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week.
 
McCoy has proved to be one of the top cornerbacks in the nation through four weeks, and he did it again in a 25-15 Tennessee win at No. 15/13 Oklahoma. McCoy registered three tackles, one pass breakup and one interception that he returned 17 yards.
 
With Oklahoma driving, McCoy’s pick put the ball back into OU territory, and the Vols scored on the ensuing drive. According to PFF, McCoy logged 48 coverage snaps and did not allow a completion all night, while registering a 0.0 passer grade.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.

An Investigation is Underway After a Bomb Threat is Called into a Knox County Middle School

An Investigation is Underway After a Bomb Threat is Called into a Knox County Middle School

Posted on September 24, 2024

An investigation is underway after a bomb threat is called into Hardin Valley Middle School this morning (Tuesday).

Just after 8:30, the school was evacuated due to the threat. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Device Unit and an EOD dog cleared the building after not finding an explosive device. Students returned to class a short time later.

KCSO’s juvenile crimes unit is investigating the threat. Tennessee Highway Patrol, School Security, KCSO’s School Officer, and Tennessee Homeland Security assisted in evacuating everyone from the school.

SB Preview: Fall Ball Week 1
Courtesy / UT Athleteics

SB Preview: Fall Ball Week 1

Posted on September 24, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The two-time defending SEC champion Lady Vols begin fall ball action this week with four games running Wednesday-Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
 
Play begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET against Carson-Newman, followed by a 5 p.m. showdown with Walters State on Friday.
 
Tennessee hosts doubleheader action on Saturday with games against Georgia Tech and Lipscomb on tap. The day starts at 11 a.m. versus the Yellow Jackets and concludes with a 4 p.m. first pitch against the Bison.
 
Admission is free for all fall contests at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to first pitch. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball games.  
 
UT’s full weekend schedule can be found below. Dates and times (ET) are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, follow vol_softball on X and Instagram.
 
Fall Ball Week 1
Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Carson-Newman – 6 p.m.
 
Friday, Sept. 27 – Walters State – 5 p.m.
 
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Georgia Tech – 11 a.m.
 
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Lipscomb – 4 p.m.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Charges Man with DUI After Pedestrian is Killed in Crash
Courtesy of WVLT

Tennessee Highway Patrol Charges Man with DUI After Pedestrian is Killed in Crash

Posted on September 24, 2024

A Knoxville man is charged with driving under the influence after a pedestrian is killed in a crash.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol called to a crash on Murphy Road at Shannon Valley Farms Boulevard Thursday night.

Troopers say a pedestrian had been hit by an SUV driven by 46-year-old Aldo Weddington and was dead at the scene.

Weddington reportedly told troopers he had used marijuana in the past few weeks and was taking medication for anxiety. He then failed all field sobriety tests.

Additionally, court records said Weddington did not have a valid driver’s license.

Weddington was charged with DUI and driving without a license.

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner