August 19, 2005 - Knoxville Mayor Bill
Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer John Holmes
as the July Officer of the Month. Holmes has been with the department
since October 2001.
Chief Owen said that on July 12, 2005, Officer Holmes was monitoring
traffic entering and leaving the Ridgebrook Apartments as part of
his problem solving kit (PSK). Holmes was working to develop solutions
to a recent increase in car burglary crimes in the area.
 At
approximately 2:20 a.m., Officer Holmes watched a vehicle enter the
apartment complex. The vehicle proceeded to the top of a hill where
it parked for a short period of time. When the vehicle left the apartment
complex, Officer Holmes followed and conducted a traffic stop on Western
Avenue.
Officer Holmes recognized one of the passengers and asked him to exit
the vehicle. A flashlight and a faceplate from a car stereo were noticed
sticking out of the subject's pockets. Several car stereo wires were
also observed on the dashboard of the car.
After separating the three individuals, Officer Holmes questioned
the female driver. During an interview she admitted to driving the
two males around the area while they burglarized vehicles. Consent
to search the vehicle was also granted, which resulted in the recovery
of two stolen car stereos as well as other stereo equipment and
personal items. The owners of the stolen property were located and
their property returned.
Chief Owen said, "Officer Holmes was actively conducting enforcement
efforts in an area that is the target of the problem solving kit
when he apprehended these suspects and solved unreported crimes
that had just occurred. His knowledge of the area along with his
investigative skills was crucial in the apprehension of these individuals."
Virgil Crawford, DOB 08/08/71, and James Chadwick, DOB 05/04/73,
were both charged with Felony Theft, Attempted Burglary, Burglary,
Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Holmes is to be commended for his
alertness and dedication in this investigation. His actions prevented
the victimization of other citizens."
Officer Holmes will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor
and Chief along with a gift certificate from Ruby Tuesday Restaurant.
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