City of Knoxville

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City of Knoxville, Tennessee
Madeline Rogero, Mayor

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Arrest of Violent Burglary and Robbery Suspect Earns Officer Award

KPD
Officers of the Month
Civilians of the Month

December 29, 2005 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Ryan Flores as the Knoxville Police Department's Officer of the Month for October. Officer Flores has been with the department since January 1997.

Chief Owen said that on October 27, 2005 at approximately 11:00 a.m., Officer Flores was patrolling the Montgomery Village area searching for a suspect possibly involved in a business robbery and strong-armed robbery. Officer Flores spotted an individual on Joe Lewis Road who matched the description of the suspect. When Officer Flores approached the male he immediately ran from the officer. Officer Flores pursued the suspect on foot while requesting assistance.

Mayor Haslam, Officer Flores, Chief Owen

Mayor Haslam, Officer Flores, Chief Owen

Officer Flores caught the fleeing suspect and attempted to take him into custody, but the suspect began fighting with the officer. Officer Dan Paidousis arrived on the scene to assist Officer Flores. The suspect, who was identified as Thamar Smith (DOB 12-28-83), continued to fight with both officers. In an attempt to control Smith, Officer Paidousis sprayed the suspect with Vexor but it did not slow the suspect's violent actions. At that point, the officers used a Taser on the suspect, which also proved to be ineffective in controlling the suspect.

With the help of two additional officers, the suspect was eventually secured, but not before Officer Flores had been struck several times by the suspect in the face and upper body resulting in cuts on his leg, head, and hands. Officer Flores charged Smith with Resisting Arrest and Assault.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Flores knew the importance of taking the suspect into custody and put his safety and well being in harms way in order to protect the community and others who may have come in contact with this violent fleeing felon."

Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Flores' actions possibly prevented another innocent citizen from becoming a victim. Officer Flores' actions demonstrate his commitment to the Knoxville Police Department and to the citizens of Knoxville."

Officer Flores will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Bayou Bay Seafood House.

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