The blotter is derived from recent incident reports and central dispatch records of local police agencies.
Kingsport Police Department
Nov. 15
As police were conducting a seatbelt checkpoint on Gibson Mill Road, a motorist who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt “suddenly accelerated and blew through.†Following a short pursuit that included the suspect driving the wrong way through a roundabout, the car was found abandoned on East Stone Drive. A warrant for reckless endangerment was to be obtained. Police had several tips concerning the identity of the driver, who was described as having multiple face tattoos.
Nov. 16
During an argument on Virgil Avenue, a man reportedly grabbed his girlfriend by the throat, forced her into a car and drove to a nearby market. Officers responded to 911 calls from people at the business, where the assault had reportedly continued. During questioning, the couple were uncooperative, but based on evidence observed, police arrested the man on charges of assault and kidnapping. A witness said the altercation was spurred by the victim wanting to watch TV, while the suspect preferred to play video games.
Nov. 18
In responding to a report of two women fighting in a Lynn Garden convenience store, officers found the suspects to be mother and daughter. They admitted to arguing and pushing one another, leading both to be arrested on a charge of domestic violence. No motive for the fight was listed.
Nov. 19
When employees of Food City called police about a theft, dispatch could hear a man in the background yelling, “I can pay for my food.†An officer responded to find the suspect had fled after scarfing down $20 worth of merchandise in the deli section.
Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office
Nov. 18
As a motorist sat at a train crossing waiting for a train to pass, a pickup pulled up behind him and the driver exited. The other man — identified as a former friend, but there had been a “falling out†— broke a door handle off the complainant’s pickup, then punched him in the head several times. Before departing the scene, the attacker allegedly boasted, “Told you I’d get you.â€
Nov. 22
Shortly before 4 a.m., a man in Rogersville told police that he had been bitten by a rattlesnake. The alleged victim — who was found outside in only shorts and sandals — seemed disoriented and confused, but EMS personnel deemed he was fine and “just seemed under the influence.†Upon being told as much, the man was “still determined†that he had been bitten and became agitated. For his safety and the safety of the public, he was arrested for public intoxication.
