Multiple People and Dogs in a South Knoxville House Fire, One Dog is Shot

Multiple People and Dogs in a South Knoxville House Fire, One Dog is Shot

April 26, 2024

11 people and 33 dogs are safe after making it out of a home during a fire in South Knoxville.

Knoxville Fire department investigators are working to find out what started this fire at a home in the 200 block of Stone Road.

KFD says the owners reported that fire around at 3:00 this morning. (Friday)

Fire crews were able to put the fire out but 1 of the 33 dogs that live there attacked another dog during the fire and the owner shot that attacking dog.

Knoxville Police took the who shot the dog into custody.

Knoxville animal control is moving those animals and Stone Road was closed for hours but reportedly reopened after 7 a.m.

THREE MEN ARRESTED FOLLOWING TBI ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION

THREE MEN ARRESTED FOLLOWING TBI ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION

April 25, 2024

MCMINNVILLE – Special agents assigned to TBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force have arrested and charged three men accused of uploading child sexual abuse material online.

TBI agents opened the investigation after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about three individuals uploading child sexual abuse material on platforms such as Dropbox and Discord. During the investigation, agents identified the individuals and, on Tuesday and Wednesday, conducted an operation to search two homes, during which agents seized a total of 44 electronic devices for further examination. They also arrested Garry Alford (DOB 3-15-1984), Johnathan Curtis (DOB 2-18-1992), and Clifton Johnston (DOB 12-22-1985) and charged each with one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Authorities subsequently booked all three men into the Warren County Jail, on bond amounts of $50,000 for Alford and Curtis, and $75,000 for Johnston.

The TBI’s Criminal Investigation Division, Drug Investigation Division, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, McMinnville Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the operation.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is an ICAC affiliate of the Tennessee ICAC Task Force. Anyone with information about these cases or other cases of online child exploitation should contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Tipline at 1-800-TBI-FIND, [email protected], or report via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at CyberTipline.org.

ATHENS WOMAN CHARGED IN HER MOTHER’S HOMICIDE
Roane County Sheriff's Office

ATHENS WOMAN CHARGED IN HER MOTHER’S HOMICIDE

April 25, 2024

ROANE COUNTY – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the 9th Judicial District Attorney General has resulted in the arrest of an Athens woman, charged with murder in the death of her mother.

On April 20th, the Roane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a deceased female at a residence on Circle Drive in Rockwood. When deputies arrived, they found Bertha Lodewegen (DOB 03/13/1949) deceased. At the request of District Attorney General Russell Johnson, on April 21st, TBI agents joined Roane County and the DA’s office in the investigation. An autopsy revealed the manner of death to be homicide. During the course of the investigation, investigators determined that the victim’s daughter Marie Hefner was the individual responsible for her mother’s death.

On April 25th, Marie Hefner (DOB 12/30/1973) was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. She was taken into custody at the Roane County Sheriff’s Office. A bond had not yet been set at the time of this release.

YWCA Announces New “Keys of Hope” Campaign as Part of Major Renovation

YWCA Announces New “Keys of Hope” Campaign as Part of Major Renovation

April 25, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The YWCA will be renovating its building to help more members of the community as well as their own residents.

“Keys of Hope” at the YWCA helps women who otherwise would be without a place to live.

It focuses on transitioning to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Assistance programs include financial and mental health counseling as well as addiction recovery.

The new building will be named the Nancy J Land Center, and its namesakes are proud to support an organization that supports so many others.

The building is still $1.6 million away from being fully funded.

If you would like to donate to Keys of Hope, please click here.

Man Accused of Killing Ben Kredich Indicted by Knox County Grand Jury

Man Accused of Killing Ben Kredich Indicted by Knox County Grand Jury

April 25, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The man accused of driving under the influence, hitting and killing a 24-year-old man in Knoxville has been indicted by the Knox County Grand Jury.

Shannon Walker has been indicted for vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence in connection to the death of Ben Kredich.

Knoxville Police say Walker was driving on Kingston Pike just west of Concord around 4:00 p.m. in August of 2023 when he crossed several lines of traffic, hitting Kredich.

Prior to the crash, Walker had reportedly been taken to Parkwest Medical Center after receiving Narcan. He was discharged from the hospital about an hour before the crash.

Just this week, the Ben Kredich Act, a bill aimed at addressing opioid-induced DUIs, passed in the Tennessee House. The bill now sits on Gov. Lee’s desk.

Loaded Firearms, Cash Seized in Knoxville Traffic Stop

Loaded Firearms, Cash Seized in Knoxville Traffic Stop

April 25, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two men are facing charges after Knoxville Police find firearms in a car during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers stopped a car around 12:20 a.m. after witnessing a traffic violation at the intersection of Kenner Avenue and McConnell Street.

While searching the car, officers found three loaded firearms, including an “assault-style rifle” and over $2,500 from suspected drug sales.

An 18-year-old faces weapon and drug charges, while a 23-year-old was charged with convicted felon in possession of a weapon and resisting arrest.

Knoxville Police did not release the men’s names.

Knox County District Attorney says a Man has Pleaded Guilty on Charges Stemming from a Deadly Drag Racing Crash
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Knox County District Attorney says a Man has Pleaded Guilty on Charges Stemming from a Deadly Drag Racing Crash

April 24, 2024

A man pleads guilty to charges stemming from a deadly drag racing crash in East Knoxville. in January 2023.

The Knox County District Attorney’s Office says Tra’Shawn Glass has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by drag racing and two counts of reckless aggravated assault in the January incident that killed a man and seriously injured two children.

The two cars were drag racing on Magnolia Avenue when they ran a red light, hitting an SUV being driven by Michael Williams, who died at the hospital, and critically injured his two grandchildren, ages 11 and 6 at the time.

Glass faces three to six years for the homicide charge and two to four years on each aggravated assault. As a part of the plea, an agreement has not been made as to whether the sentence will be served consecutively or concurrently.

Glass’s sentencing is scheduled for June 28.

Oak Ridge Schools Will Not Allow Guns in Buildings, Even if Concealed Carry Bill Signed, System Says

Oak Ridge Schools Will Not Allow Guns in Buildings, Even if Concealed Carry Bill Signed, System Says

April 24, 2024

Oak Ridge, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Although it has yet to be signed into law, a bill passed Tuesday allowing teachers and staff state-wide to request to carry a concealed handgun inside schools, will not fly in Oak Ridge.

WVLT reporting that representatives with Oak Ridge Schools issued a statement Wednesday indicating that the system “will not allow teachers or school staff to carry firearms in [its] buildings” even if Governor Bill Lee signs the measure.

“Should Governor Lee sign the legislation allowing concealed firearms in schools into law, Oak Ridge Schools will not allow teachers or school staff to carry firearms in our buildings,” the school system said in a statement. “As educators, it is our duty and privilege to keep our students and staff safe, and we remain committed to implementing effective and comprehensive policies that prioritize the well-being of everyone in Oak Ridge Schools.”

Representatives also stated that the school system feels no need to arm teachers, given its relationship with Oak Ridge law enforcement and safety regulations.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Oak Ridge law enforcement agencies and believe that our School Resource Officers and ongoing investments in safety infrastructure have a greater positive impact on our overall safety than arming staff would,” the statement said.

Gov. Lee Signs ‘Jillian’s Law’

Gov. Lee Signs ‘Jillian’s Law’

April 24, 2024

Nashville, TN (WOKI) “Jillian’s Law,” a bill requiring people committed to remain institutionalized until “competency” is restored or until a court approves an outpatient treatment plan, is now law in Tennessee.

Governor Bill Lee signed the measure Wednesday which also keeps those who are institutionalized from owning a firearm.

The bill passed the House and Senate unanimously earlier in the week.

It is named after Jillian Ludwig, a freshman at Belmont University in November 2023, who was shot and killed by a man who was deemed incompetent to stand trial for a prior crime.

Officials say a Dryer Likely Sparked a West Knoxville House Fire
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Officials say a Dryer Likely Sparked a West Knoxville House Fire

April 24, 2024

Officials with Rural Metro say a dryer catches fire and causes significant damage to a West Knoxville home.

Crews were called to the 10000 block of Summitt Mountain Court this (Wednesday) morning and found a dryer fire had spread into the void space between the floors.

Firefighters were able to keep it from spreading to other areas in the home.

All occupants got out safe and no injuries were reported.

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