City of Knoxville special events director Mickey Mallonee is recognized by the Knoxville City Council during its Dec. 28 meeting, as she is retiring from the city after 10 years in her position. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

For almost every major event in the city of Knoxville during the last 10 years, Mickey Mallonee may have been responsible for it. 

Mallonee, 68, retired after serving that length of time as the city’s special events director. She was honored by the Knoxville City Council during its Dec. 28 meeting with special recognition for her accomplishments, recommended by Councilwoman Brenda Palmer in a resolution.

A native Knoxvillian, she returned to Knoxville in 1994 after living in different parts of the country and abroad. She served at the Arts Council of Greater Knoxville, was appointed as executive director and served in that position until she was hired on Jan. 30, 2000, as the special events director for the city.

Mallonee also served as special events director for the council, and was responsible for coordinating and implementing events, including the ArtFest Celebrations and the mayor’s Art Gala. 

She worked for many years for the U.S. Air Force, serving as president of the Officer’s Wives’ Club, and coordinated visits for national and foreign dignitaries. 

She is currently a member of several boards, including the University of Tennessee School of Art Community Advisory Board, Leadership Knoxville, Blount Mansion and James White’s Fort. 

Mallonee was responsible for expanding the annual “Christmas in the City” celebration, and worked on bringing new festivals to the city. 

She conducted a brief phone interview with The Knoxville Journal Dec. 29 to talk about her retirement.

The Knoxville Journal: When did you decide to retire?

Mickey Mallonee: In the fall of this year. There were other things I wanted to do — I wanted to travel and visit with my children more, and I wanted to spend time with my sister.

TKJ: How did you get the special events director’s job?

MM: At the time I was hired, I was working as the director of the Knoxville Arts Council. When the job became open, I sent a resume, I had an interview and they decided they liked me, so they brought me in. 

TKJ: What would you say was your proudest accomplishment?

MM: The fire engine that we raised money for and sent to New York after 9/11. We thought if we could raise $300,000, we could get a fire truck, and we ended up raising just over a million dollars. We were able to purchase a 30-foot ladder truck. 

TKJ: In all the events you coordinated over the years, what stands out the most?

MM: I think every year it’s “Christmas in the City,”  because it looks pretty and it makes everyone happy.

TKJ: What was it like working under Bill Haslam and the city council?

MM: Very good. He’s been a wonderful boss and was very good at letting me do what I thought was best. He was very generous at letting me do what I wanted to do as far as decorating and organizing an event. I didn’t do a lot with the council, but they have been very supportive. They’re a great group.

TKJ: You mentioned spending more time with your family. What else are you going to do?

MM: That’s basically it. I don’t have plans to work. I might do some consulting, but as of yet, I don’t have anything planned.

TKJ: Lastly, what advice do you have for whomever replaces you?

MM: Make sure you take care of the people who take care of you. Address those folks that make you look good — the police, fire department — it’s important you recognize them for what they do and that everyone knows it. 

Pat Summitt (courtesy of CNNSI.com) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt will be the first person honored with a star on the new Riverwalk of Fame during a ceremony on Volunteer Landing on Jan. 5, according to a press release.

The unveiling is set for 11:30 a.m., near the base of the pedestrian bridge connecting downtown with Volunteer Landing.

The Riverwalk of Fame, which will stretch along Volunteer Landing — will honor people from Knoxville and the surrounding area who have made a mark nationally or internationally.

The honorees can range from writers, musicians, actors, athletes and coaches to scientists, astronauts, statesmen and others of note. It’s anticipated that there will be a ceremony annually at which up to three people would be inducted into the Riverwalk of Fame. Summitt, however, will be the only person honored during this initial ceremony. 

Mayor and Gov.-elect Bill Haslam made the announcement that Summitt would be honored after she won her 1,000th game as the Lady Vols’  coach in February. Each person on the Riverwalk will be honored with a large star that will include their name as well as a small, but significant, symbol of what that person did that made a difference in people’s lives. In Summitt’s case it will be a basketball.

“We’re all proud of Pat Summitt and always happy to have an opportunity to let her know how much she means to us,” Haslam said in a statement. “She’s a great choice to be the person honored with this first star on the Riverwalk.” 

UT trustee and public relations firm owner Susan Richardson Williams approached the city early last year with the concept of a Riverwalk of Fame, honoring accomplished individuals from Knoxville and East Tennessee. 

Williams also suggested to both the city and the university that Summitt would be a great first honoree. The city has created a committee and developed criteria for selecting future honorees for the Riverwalk that will include substantial input from the public.

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

As the Knoxville City Council gets ready to appoint an interim mayor to replace Gov.-elect Bill Haslam during a special called meeting Jan. 10, they had the task of approving a resolution to adopt a procedure for the selection process of the position.

The resolution states that council members will hold a general discussion concerning the role of the acting mayor, then council members will be asked if they want to be considered for the position, with either a yes or no response. 

Those who are interested would be permitted to make a statement, and then the first round of voting would commence, with the city recorder asking each council member the name of the person for whom they wish to vote. Any member who receives five votes would be elected the interim mayor; if there are not enough votes, then a second round would take place. 

There would be a roll call of the council members, with the same process taking place of naming the person they wish to vote for. If no candidate receives five votes, the one receiving the lowest number of votes will be dropped and the third round would immediately begin.

Further, if the voting is deadlocked, the presiding officer would declare it that way and the process would start over again.

The council member elected would be sworn in immediately.

Despite the charter provisions, Ron Peabody, director of the group TYP Choice and often a vocal critic of the council, asked deputy law director Ron Mills what provisions allowed the council to take the action of deciding the interim mayor.

“It’s up to the council, according to the charter, to make their determination as to how the acting mayor is chosen,” Mills responded. “Beyond that, it’s a legislative decision, and the law department is not in the position to offer legal advice to the council on that particular issue. That would be deferred to (City Council attorney) Mr. (Charles) Swanson as special counsel.”

Peabody claimed that the Robert’s Rules of Order, under which most city charters operate, do not allow them the change the charter without a vote from the public. 

“My understanding is, in order to provide this resolution and to approve it, to me it actually looks like the body is attempting to supersede the charter and take on the power itself, and deprive the voters of the city of Knoxville their rights under the charter to vote under charter amendments,” Peabody said. “This, as it is written, will amend the charter.

“As a citizen of Knoxville, the net result of that is, you’re amending the charter to fit your own desires to solve the issue to appoint an interim mayor,” Peabody continued. “This process, written in resolution, no way reflects what is written in the charter. I believe if you proceed with this, what you’re doing is superseding the charter, denying the citizens of Knoxville to vote on the charter, and this council does not have the authority to do this under the governance of the charter.”

Outgoing vice-mayor Bob Becker completely disagreed with Peabody’s assessment.

“The charter allows us to appoint an interim mayor,” Becker said. “The council operates by Robert’s Rules of Order unless we adopt other rules, and we are currently adopting other rules. It’s a clear process. 

“We amend rules, and usually do it on the spot,” Becker continued. “We amend the rules to allow other people to speak. We do that all the time, and we’re doing it more formally this time, because its’ an important issue and we want to be clear what the rules are before we get there.”

“It would be helpful if you have the charter in front of you,” Councilman Duane Grieve said to Peabody. 

Councilman Nick Della Volpe added, “Ron, I respect your comments, but in the terms of acting promptly, we will do what’s best for the city of Knoxville.”

Knoxville city councilman Joe Bailey, left, addresses issues as Councilman Daniel Brown, right, listens. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

On its second reading, the Knoxville City Council approved an ordinance to amend the operating and capital budgets for the fiscal year 2010-11.

More than $8.1 million in surplus funds left from last year’s budget were approved by the council during its Dec. 14 meeting.

The funds will give approximately 1,000 city employees a raise, but the subject went through heavy debate by council members. 

The vote was on funding more than $900,000 of the Mercer plan, named after 

Mercer Human Resources Consulting of Louisville, Ky., which conducted a salary survey, recommending that Knoxville bring city employee salaries on an even level with other similar-sized cities. The plan is in its third year. 

The amount each employee receives depends on the job and its salary.

Mayor and Gov.-elect Bill Haslam and the city’s finance department asked the council to approve a budget amendment of more than $8 million to the current budget, estimated at close to $165 million. 

During the last meeting, Councilman Duane Grieve was unsuccessful in getting a vote on funding the employee raises separately instead of as a package amendment. He said he didn’t believe employees should be reimbursed for the adjustments back to July 1 of this year, but that they should start next month.

“I’ve had several phone calls from taxpayers out here in the real world who are struggling to make ends meet,” Grieve said. “There are no bonuses, people are being laid off, and in my profession, there are people that are on furlough. Not only are folks deserving of this, but the timing is not good in terms of us going ahead with this.

“How difficult is it going to be for the city to look at these salaries and the people that have been promoted?” Grieve continued. “How do we deal with that, and how difficult is it as opposed to starting it in January, instead of it being retroactive?” 

Bill Lyons, the city’s senior director of policy and communications, said that “most of the heavy lifting has been done. It’s just the matter of putting it into effect early in the year. At this point, there’s minimal difficulty.”

Grieve said city employees received a two and a half percent pay raise, and the city’s pension plan was funded to the tune of $9 million. 

“I think this council will have to look very, very hard at the budget that comes down, in terms of the services we provide,” he said. “I’m not saying they’re not deserving — I certainly support the city employees — they are looking at us to make wise decisions with their money.

“There are a number of people that were having difficulty paying property taxes this year,” Grieve continued. “With a million dollars, what would that do in terms of helping the citizens cut their property taxes? We need to be aware of what’s really going on in the general population.”

Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy agreed with Grieve in terms of having difficult decisions ahead, with the budget and combating escalating costs, but disagreed on the timing of distributing the funds. 

“I think having been on this council in initiating the Mercer study, we made a commitment and negotiated it in good faith with all the members of our employee groups,” Roddy said. “We talked about the parameters of the discussion — the information would be binding to us, not knowing how it would come out, and we came out with surprises on both ends. We were responsible to the taxpayers and the implementations of those findings.” 

Councilwoman Brenda Palmer added, “This is not a bonus, this is money that we are contractually obligated to pay the employees of the city for the work they do. I applaud the administration for putting that at the top with the money available.”

In other business, the council postponed a final decision on proposed new measures designed to reduce the number of false alarms that are rampant with the city’s police officers and firefighters.

The measure would require a fee for late registration of security alarm systems and increase the fine for false alarms. It was already approved on the first reading.

The council voted to postpone the measure for a month, at the suggestion of Roddy, because the Knoxville Police Department has indicated it needed more time to meet with private alarm industry representatives to explain the measure.

It was estimated that responding to false alarms cost the city more than $1 million a year.

Also, the council denied a request by Calloway Oil Company for a zoning variance that would allow it to keep operating an electronic price changing sign on its business at 9200 Kingston Pike.

The company was appealing a decision by the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals that denied a variance reducing the required minimum road frontage from 250 feet to 175 feet, as per the site plan, to permit placement of the sign.

The business did not have sufficient frontage to qualify for the zoning that would allow such a sign, council members said. The request was denied by a 7-3 vote. 

Tommy Hunt, representing the company, told the council that they needed to look at the situation from a business standpoint, and how it would help.

Roddy said that the council could not change the ordinance, saying ‘“we cannot support one thing and do another.”

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

The Knoxville Convention Center received an inverter for a new solar array on its roof, as well as a new chiller for the center’s HVAC system.

Work began early on Dec. 28. The inverter and the chiller are being installed as part of the city’s program of energy improvements being made through a contract with Ameresco, an energy services company.

The city and Ameresco joined forces in a $19 million energy conservation package last year for improvements, with the goal of reducing the city’s energy costs and consumption. 

Any savings, as a result, is expected to pay for the installation and maintenance at 99 of the city’s buildings, ballparks and athletic fields, and three golf courses.

Upon completion, the 28.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system will reportedly be the largest solar array within the city. 

The city also plans to install a 90-kilowatt system there at a later date.

Robert Lee Grant (courtesy of Tennessee Department of Corrections) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

The Tennessee Department of Corrections Internal Affairs Division is asking for the public’s help in capturing an escaped prisoner in Morgan County.

Robert Lee Grant, 23, escaped from the Morgan County Correctional Complex-Annex Dec. 24, scaling a fence. 

Grant was sentenced in June, to six years in prison for a drug and reckless endangerment conviction in Knox County. 

Those with information are asked to contact their local police or the Tennessee Department of Corrections Internal Affairs Office at (615) 741-7144.

By Martha Woodward
Sunspherebook@aol.com

First Lady of Knox County, Allison Burchett, and others celebrated Christmas with the students and parents at Fort Sanders School this week with a special Christmas program and gift bags of books. Burchett and others have worked to gather donations of books for the youngsters over the last few weeks. A library is planned.

Fort Sanders School serves children throughout Knox County. The majority of students at Fort Sanders School are eligible to receive special education services. Most of the students are preschool age (three through five years old) and participate in a partial day program. Additionally, there is one Comprehensive Development Classroom-Activities Based (CDC-A) serving school aged students (six through twenty-two years old) who are multi-handicapped, medically fragile children whose needs are best met in a specialized setting.

The faculty and staff at Fort Sanders School share a deep commitment to student and their families. Parent involvement and support at Fort Sanders School is highly valued and encouraged. FSS has the outstanding support of an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and various community partnerships..

This school year (2009-2010) we have two voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Classes for four year olds. These voluntary Pre-K classes are funded through a combination of state grant funds and funds from the Great Schools Partnership.

Child Find is another branch of FSS. Child Find is charged with the identification of preschool aged children with special educational needs. These needs are determined through a comprehensive evaluation process that includes but is not limited to; standardized testing, observations in various settings, physician statements and parent input. Areas evaluated often include: vision, hearing, speech /language, fine & gross motor skills, cognitive and adaptive development. Following evaluation, eligibility for special education services is determined and an individual plan of services (IEP) is developed if the child meets specified state criteria. The Child Find office may be reached at 865-594-1530.

Due to the nature of our programs and the age of the students we serve, our student population is in constant flux. The total number of students enrolled in the school changes frequently with a range of 145 to 200 students.

The faculty and staff of Fort Sanders School are committed to the following belief statements: 1.) All students, regardless of age or disability, have the capacity to learn. 2.) Dignity and respect are vital in all educational experiences. 3.) The education of a child is a partnership between parents, school and community. 4.) Student learning is facilitated by a team approach through the collaboration of service providers and families.

As Knoxville looks forward to the election of a city mayor in 2011, let’s take a look at the last 5 men who have served in that position. Will Marilyn Roddy or Madeline Rogero become the first woman elected as mayor of Knoxville? It could happen.

2004-current Bill Haslam (1958)
Son of Pilot Corporation magnet Jim Haslam. Served as president and
director of Pilor Corp. Former chief executive officer of SAKS Direct,
the e-commerce and catalogue division of Saks Fifth Avenue. Owner of
the Tennessee Smokies, an East Tennessee AA Baseball Team, and serves on the
board of directors for Harold’s Department Stores. Elected in 2003 to
serve from 2004 until 2008; re elected to serve from 2008 until 2012.
However, will leave office of mayor in January of 2011 after first winning
the Republican Primary Election in August 2010 by 52% and going on to
be elected as governor in state-wide election against Democrat Jim
McWherter by a 61% to 33% margin in November 2010. Haslam will be
remembered as the mayor who “made the city more beautiful” as he worked
on projects to help to restore older buildings while cleaning up urban
blight and eyesores. Married 28 years to Crissy. Has 3 children, 2 daughters and one son. Often rode his bicycle to work on one of the city’s 41 miles of bike trails.

1988-2003 Victor Ashe (1945)
Raised in a politically active family. Member of the United States Marine Corps Air
Reserves during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1973. Was elected in 1968 to the Tennessee House of Representatives at the age of 23. Was stripped of the position by the Tennessee Supreme Court as the minimum age is 30. Ashe appointed his mother, Martha Ashe, to replace him in the legislature. In 1975 he filled a State Senate seat held by his unelected mother. Ashe was later elected to the position and served for nine years. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1984 against future Vice-President Al Gore. He was also the Executive Director of the Americans Outdoors Commission from 1985 until 1987. Elected as mayor in 1987 serving from 1988 until 2003 when state law on term limits put him out of office. Distinguished as the only mayor to be elected 4 terms.
Was appointed as Ambassador to Poland by President
George Bush in 2004, serving until 2009. Nominated by President Obama
to the Broadcasting Board of Governors on November 20, 2009 and was
confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 30, 2010. Is remembered for his
work on numerous issues, but especially in the area of parks and
recreation. During his time in office hundreds of acres of greenways
and several miles of paved trails and walkways were added throughout
the city. Married to Joan, a former school teacher; has one son and one
daughter. Is spending his retirement years continuing his efforts
towards beautification with his work at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and elsewhere.

1984-1987 Kyle C. Testerman (1935)
A lawyer and businessman who was noted for his experience in real
estate. Former member of Knoxville City Council. Was born in Knoxville.
Was first elected as mayor in 1971 for the 1972-1974 term, however when
he ran for re-election in 1975, he lost to Democrat newcomer, Randy
Tyree. Testerman returned to politics after Tyree’s second term ended in 1983 
and recaptured the seat. Successfully led the city through the
post-World’s Fair era by dealing with debt and property left over after
the fair. Orchestrated the purchase of the Sunsphere from private
investors for $750,000 making it city-owned property.
Testerman summarized the problem left over from the 1982 World’s Fair
with this quote, “It was wonderful and grand — then BAM, the lights
went out, the music stopped playing and the ladies stopped singing and
then they said what are we going to do on the site?”
In 1986, along with County Executive Dwight Kessel, Testerman
formed the Knoxville Coalition for the Homeless to conduct studies
about homelessness which had become an endemic problem in the area.


1976-1983 Randall “Randy” Tyree (1940)
Born in Carthage, TN; a Boy Scout and Marine; served as a police
officer and Safety Director for the City of Knoxville; became a
successful lawyer. Is a Democrat. First ran for office in 1975 winning by a margin of
under 350 votes. Won re-election in 1979 and completed two four year
terms in office. Led the city through the preparations and
implementations for the 1982 World’s Fair by appointing the KIEE or
Knoxville International Energy Expositon committee. Married to Mary Pat
Dukas; has 4 children he has enjoyed raising. Returned to private practice of law. Has worked for Governor Phil Bredesen in a variety of roles. Continues to enjoy the outdoors as an avid hiker and backpacker.

1972-1975 Kyle C. Testerman (1935)
Was first elected as mayor in 1971 for the 1972-1974 term running
against Leonard Rogers. One of the main issues at that time was the
idea of selling liquor by the drink—Rogers was opposed; Testerman was
in favor of it saying it was needed to attract business and tourism to
Knoxville. After winning the election, Testerman was able to bring a
referendum to the voters which was approved by a 2 to l vote. However
when he ran for re-election in 1975, he lost to Democrat newcomer,
Randy Tyree by a margin of less than 350 votes. Two issues were said
to cause his defeat, a squabble he had with garbage workers in 1974 
over wages and overtime pay and a public divorce. Married twice.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the attempted robbery of Martha’s Place Bar at 4624 Rutledge Pike Dec. 27.

Sgt. Josh Shaffer reported that the call was received at approximately 8:09 p.m., where a white female entered the bar, showed a small pistol and attempted to rob the business.

A bar employee grabbed the pistol and struggled with the suspect over it, which then dropped to the ground. The suspect then took off and jumped into a waiting green, two-door Saturn, driven by a black male and headed east on Rutledge Pike.

The suspect was described as being in her 20s and having star tattoos above and along side her right eye. 

The investigation is continuing. Those with information are asked to call the KPD Crime Information Line at (865) 215-7212.

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

The city of Knoxville announced Dec. 27 that applications are available for those interested in filling Vice Mayor Bob Becker’s Fifth District seat on the Knoxville City Council.

The chosen person will finish Becker’s unexpired term when he resigns next month to be with his wife and family in Richmond, Va., where he will also take a new position.

Becker, as vice mayor, would have replaced Bill Haslam when he begins his term as governor. 

Applicants must live in the Fifth District, and be able to provide a copy of their state-issued identification. 

Those interested must turn in their applications in person to the Knoxville City Council Office, located in room 460 of the City-County Building on Main Street downtown.   

For further information, contact the city council office at (865) 215-2075. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

City of Knoxville offices will be closed Dec. 31 for the New Year’s holiday, according to a press release. 

Waste Connections, the city’s household garbage collector will run its normal schedule on Dec. 31, while downtown trash collections will also run on Dec. 31. The city’s recycling centers will be open on Jan. 1, and the city’s Solid Waste Management Facility at 1033 Elm St., will be closed on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A Campbell County man was killed Dec. 26 when he lost control of the all-terrain vehicle he was riding, according to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

David Leonard, 39, was riding his ATV on U.S. Highway 25W in Jellico, when he attempted to turn on a curve, but lost control because of hazardous road conditions in the area.

Leonard then apparently went down an embankment, and the vehicle landed on top of him. He was the only person involved.

Authorities continue to investigate the accident.

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

The Knoxville Fire Department reported two minor fires that occurred during Christmas week. 

KFD spokesman D.J. Corcoran reported smoke coming from an unoccupied home at 2918 Wilson Ave. at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 24, prompting neighbors to call 911. 

Firefighters found a couch, sitting close to a kerosene heater, that was in flames upon their arrival. The homeowner reported he had been by the address earlier in the day and left the kerosene heater on to prevent pipes from freezing. The fire was contained to one room, and no injuries or further damage were reported. 

The second occurred at 2024 Brice Ave. on Dec. 26, as a neighbor called 911 shortly after 5 a.m., reporting flames at the house next door. The neighbor also reported the family was away during the holidays. 

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

The motorist killed Dec. 26 in a single vehicle crash, east of the West Hills exit on I-40 West, has been identified, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Sgt. Brian Evans of KPD’s Traffic Services Division reported the crash at approximately 9:37 a.m. Witnesses said Wade Arlyn Crane, 66, of Acworth, Ga., was driving a 2000 Volkswagen that crossed three lanes of traffic, hitting the right concrete retaining wall.

The vehicle then crossed back over five lanes of traffic, hitting the center concrete retaining wall.

Crane was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and was pronounced dead.

It has been speculated that Crane may have suffered from a medical condition that caused the driver to crash, Evans said. There were no other vehicles involved, and there were no passengers with the driver.

The cause of the crash continues to be under investigation.  

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

An unidentified motorist was killed Dec. 26 in a single vehicle crash, east of the West Hills exit on I-40 West, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Sgt. Brian Evans of KPD’s Traffic Services Division reported the crash at approximately 9:37 a.m. Witnesses said the driver, believed to be 66 years old, was driving a 2000 Volkswagen that crossed three lanes of traffic, hitting the right concrete retaining wall.

The vehicle then crossed back over five lanes of traffic, hitting the center concrete retaining wall.

The driver was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and was pronounced dead.

It has been speculated that the driver may have suffered from a medical condition that caused the driver to crash, Evans said. There were no other vehicles involved, and there were no passengers with the driver.

The driver’s identity is not being released until next of kin can be notified, Evans said.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Brandon James Johnson (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

An Anderson County woman was killed, and a male suspect was shot outside the TVA Employees Credit Union branch at 1316 Wilson Road near Clinton Highway Dec. 22, in an apparent robbery attempt.

According to Knoxville Police Department public information officer Darrell DeBusk, the victim, identified as 46-year-old Davida Nicholson, pulled up in a silver Mazda B4000 pick-up truck to the credit union’s ATM, just before the bank opened at 8:30 a.m. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Brandon James Johnson, approached her vehicle and apparently attempted to rob her.

Nicholson tried to get away from him, but Johnson tried to enter the vehicle through the passenger side, where they had an apparent struggle. He then pulled out a weapon and started shooting into the vehicle, striking Nicholson.

Johnson apparently had two handguns, one in each hand, DeBusk said.

Officers arrived on the scene and saw Nicholson and Johnson struggling. They demanded Johnson drop his weapons, but he refused. Officer Eric Razote fired one round, hitting the Johnson in the neck.

Nicholson and Johnson were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where Nicholson was pronounced dead at 9:07 a.m. Johnson was treated and released. He was charged with one count of felony murder, attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault.

DeBusk said after Johnson shot Nicholson, he continued to shoot at other individuals on and off the property.

“One vehicle was struck twice and one round went through the passenger window, just missing the driver,” DeBusk said. “He shot at another vehicle as it was driving by in front of the bank.”

The victims that were shot at were identified as:

- Richard Vowell, 21, Nicholson’s son, who is mentally challenged and was not injured by the gun shots. Vowell was in the passenger’s seat at the time his mother was shot.

- Shane Phillips, 39, of Dandridge, who was not injured

- Diane Largent, 44, of Knoxville, who was not injured

Johnson’s two handguns were recovered from inside Nicholson’s vehicle, according to DeBusk.

“We are not releasing the caliber of the weapons at this time due to the on-going investigation,” DeBusk said.

He added that portions of the incident were captured on video from cameras at the credit union, as well as from the officer’s in-car recording system. The videos are evidence in the investigation and will not be released until further notice.

Razote, who has been with KPD January 2007, was placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the conclusion of the investigation, which is standard operating procedure for officers involved in a shooting incident.

Police respond to an incident at the TVA Employees Credit Union branch on Wilson Road near Clinton Highway Dec. 22, as a woman and a male suspect were shot during a scuffle where an apparent robbery attempt was being made. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A woman and a male suspect were shot outside the TVA Employees Credit Union branch at 1316 Wilson Road near Clinton Highway Dec. 22, in an apparent robbery attempt.

Knoxville police officers were called to the scene just before 8:30 a.m. 

According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, the shooting happened in the parking lot of the credit union near the ATM, just before the bank opened for business. 

DeBusk said that the woman, not identified but believed to be in her late 40s, pulled up in a silver pick-up truck to the credit union’s ATM, when the unidentified suspect, believed to be around 20 years old, approached her vehicle and apparently attempted to rob her.

The woman tried to get away from him, but the suspect tried to enter the vehicle through the passenger side, where they had an apparent struggle. He then pulled out a weapon and started shooting into the vehicle, striking the woman.

The suspect apparently had two weapons, one in each hand, DeBusk said.

After the woman was shot, preliminary reports said a black pickup truck also crashed into the credit union building, but police say it’s not clear whether that is related to the shooting.

Officers arrived on the scene and saw the woman and suspect struggling. They demanded the suspect drop his weapons, but he refused. Officers then fired at the suspect, striking him. 

DeBusk said after the suspect shot the woman, he continued to shoot at other individuals on and off the property. 

“One vehicle was struck twice and one round went through the passenger window, just missing the driver,” DeBusk said. “He shot at another vehicle as it was driving by in front of the bank.” 

DeBusk said investigators will use video evidence of the incident to determine what happened. 

“It does not capture the entire incident, but it does capture some of the evidence,” he said. 

Witnesses saw the suspect walking down a nearby street, with two dogs, prior to the shooting, DeBusk said. The dogs were taken by animal control officers. 

The woman, suspect, and an unnamed officer were taken to the hospital for treatment. It is standard procedure for an officer involved in a shooting to go to a hospital, although he was not wounded.

The conditions of the woman and suspect are not known at this time. 

“All of this is very preliminary,” DeBusk said. “There are several individuals we are interviewing. We have to figure out where the shooting occurred, where the shots were fired, and the events leading up to the shooting. We are still going through the vehicle and combing the parking lot.”

The investigation is continuing.