NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) along with The Tennessee Fusion Center (TFC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in an attempt to identify agencies that have any reporting of vehicles being shot while traveling on I-81 in Eastern Tennessee. They are also seeking the public’s assistance with any information that will lead to arrest of the individual(s) involved in this incident.
According to a release from the THP, around 10:50 p.m. Sept. 9, a commercial vehicle was traveling north on I-81 near mile marker 17 when a small car passed. The commercial vehicle driver described seeing a bright flash inside the passing vehicle, and believed it to be a muzzle flash. THP responded to the location; however, neither the trooper nor the driver was able to locate a bullet hole.
On Sept. 18 between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, occupants of an armored vehicle traveling north on I-81 heard a loud noise between the mile markers 4 and 20 and assumed a tire had blown. After reaching a destination in a nearby state, further inspection revealed a bullet impact on the passenger side of the cab.
On Sept. 27 at approximately 9:08 p.m., a bullet entered the front windshield of a vehicle that was occupied by a family traveling north on I-81 at mile marker 10.5.
The driver noticed a silver Toyota Camry that passed their vehicle prior to the incident with only one headlight. It is unknown if that vehicle was involved.
The THP and TFC seeks to identify other jurisdictions that may have reports of vehicles having been shot at or that have evidence of bullet impacts after traveling on I-81 in Eastern Tennessee.
The THP says it is also seeking to identify any information that may provide leads about the individual(s) that may be involved with the shooting of vehicles in Hamblen and Jefferson Counties while traveling.
Individuals law enforcement agencies with similar activities or information are requested to contact Sgt. Kevin Kimbrough, THP-Criminal Investigation Division at 423-426-6571. Det. Lt. David Stapleton with the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department is also assisting in the investigation and can be contacted at 423-586-3781.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
