NEWS RELEASES from the Mayor's Office City of Knoxville, Tennessee Bill Haslam, Mayor

Arrest of Burglary Suspect Earns Officer Award

KPD View Officer Award Winners View Civilian Award Winners February 14, 2008 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Tyler Wylie the January Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Wylie has been with the department since May 2005. Chief Owen said during the last week of December 2007 and the first week of January 2008, several burglaries of convenient stores had occurred in the east district. The suspect would smash out a window then grab money or merchandise before fleeing from the store. On January 6, 2008, Officer Wylie was checking on these types of businesses on his beat when he encountered an individual in the parking lot of the Quick Pantry located at 4800 Asheville Highway. This business had already been victimized during this recent burglary spree. Chief Owen said, “As Officer Wylie approached the individual, he noticed a pair of rubber gloves lying on the ground near the subject. The subject’s girlfriend was also found hiding in a nearby vehicle. In plain view were tools that could be used to commit a burglary.” Officer Wylie did a sweep of the vehicle with his K-9 partner, which indicated the possibility of drugs. During the search of the vehicle, Officer Wylie located drug paraphernalia and a box of rubber gloves that matched the ones found on the ground near the suspect. Chief Owen said, “Officer Wylie remembered one critical piece of evidence that was recovered during the previous burglary of the store. That evidence was a shoe print left by the suspect. Officer Wylie immediately requested the mobile crime lab to respond to the store where they were able to make an on-scene determination that the shoes being worn by the suspect matched the shoe print recovered from the previous burglary.” Officer Wylie arrested the suspect and his girlfriend and charged them with three counts of burglary, attempted burglary, and possession of burglary tools. Chief Owen said, “Officer Wylie’s actions in the arrest of these suspects show his attention to detail, his commitment to be proactive in his new K-9 assignment, and his personal dedication to serve the department and the citizens of Knoxville.” Mayor Haslam said, “We appreciate Officer Wylie’s hard work and dedication in making Knoxville a safer place for all citizens.” Officer Wylie will receive a signed certificate from the mayor and chief. Arrested: Richard Parton, DOB 12-4-82 Brittany Chandler, DOB 4-15-86

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