NEWS RELEASES City of Knoxville, Tennessee Bill Haslam, Mayor

Astute Observation Results In Arrest of Robbery Suspect

KPD Officers of the Month Civilians of the Month May 31, 2005 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Jason Booker as the April 2005 Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Booker has been with the department since August 1998. Chief Owen said that on April 15, 2005 at approximately 1:00 a.m., Officer Booker was conducting an underage alcohol compliance check when police dispatchers advised units of an armed robbery to an individual had just been reported to the E-911 center. The robbery had occurred on Whittle Springs Road near Washington Pike. A few minutes after the robbery, Officer Booker observed the suspect's vehicle traveling southbound on Broadway. Officer Booker followed the vehicle to Maynard Avenue where the vehicle stopped and one of the suspects fled the scene. Chief Owen said, "Officer Booker showed excellent judgment by quickly taking control of the situation and detaining the remaining three suspects until additional officers could arrive." A search of the vehicle led to the confiscation of forty-eight grams of Marijuana and a bullet-resistant vest. The robbery victim's credit card and change holder were also recovered and returned to the owner. Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects in the car had information on an earlier homicide. Investigators are currently working to corroborate that information. Chief Owen said, "Officer Booker did an excellent job of maintaining control of a dangerous situation. His actions enabled the recovery of stolen property, the prevention of the use of the victim's credit card and hindered potential future violent acts by these suspects." Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Booker is commended for a job well done. His actions show dedication to this department and to the citizens we serve everyday." Officer Booker will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Bayou Bay Seafood House. The three suspects taken into custody and charges include: 1. Ryan Mitchell Craze, DOB 08/21/83, Robbery 2. Joni Marie Johnson, DOB 10/04/85, Possession of Schedule VI (Marijuana) 3. Julia K. Hatcher, DOB 05/26/84, Possession of Schedule VI (Marijuana)

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