Knoxville Police Department officers recovered a loaded handgun and stolen vehicle, and arrested two teens after a pursuit on New Year’s Day.
On Saturday, January 1 at around 12:55 p.m., East District patrol officers spotted a stolen Dodge Ram in the area of Fuller Avenue and McConnell Street. The vehicle fled when officers attempted to initiate a stop and officers pursued. The pursuit continued until the vehicle approached the area of Ulster Avenue and Chestnut Street, where the three occupants bailed from the vehicle and ran. Responding officers continued to pursue the suspects on foot and were able to take the driver and one passenger, both 14-year-old males, into custody.
The driver was found in possession of a loaded handgun. Inside of the vehicle, officers also located marijuana and various ammunition. The driver was charged in juvenile court with carjacking, auto theft, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, simple possession and felony evading. The second juvenile was charged with carjacking and evading arrest. The third suspect who fled from the vehicle was not located.
During the pursuit, two KPD officers were responding to assist when their cruisers collided near Bethel Avenue and McConnell Street. No other vehicles were involved in the crash and neither officer was injured in the collision.
The investigation continues.