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Kingsport Police Department
200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX) |
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| NEWS RELEASE | |||
| SUBJECT: | Rogersville Couple Wanted on Multiple Felony Warrants After Twice Fleeing Kingsport Police | ||
| DATE: | September 29, 2015 | ||
| CASE #: | 15-017757
15-017758 15-018831 15-020846 |
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| GENERAL NARRATIVE | |||
| A Rogersville couple is wanted on multiple felony warrants after fleeing Kingsport Police Patrol Officers on two separate occasions. Justin K. Church is wanted for Theft over $1,000, Felony Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle (2 counts), Felony Reckless Endangerment, Driving on a Revoked License—4th Offense (2 counts), Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries, and Violation of Light Law. His wife, Erica K. Church (also known as Erica K. Matthews) is wanted for Theft over $1,000.
On August 15, 2015 at approximately 9:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were investigating a report of four suspicious individuals pushing a Honda out of the parking lot of the Kingsport Town Center. When they eventually located the individuals at the Food City Gas and Go, located at 1765 Fort Henry Drive, the suspects fled the scene in the vehicle, striking another vehicle in the process. The two back seat passengers were soon apprehended after exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot; however, the driver (later identified as Justin K. Church) and front seat passenger (Erica K. Church) were able to successfully get away in the vehicle. On September 24, 2015 at approximately 3:45 AM, K.P.D. Officers observed a green Nissan Sentra, in violation of the light law, traveling in the vicinity of Fairview Avenue at Allen Drive. The officers initiated a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated the vehicle and fled. After a brief pursuit, the officers wisely terminated the chase in the interest of public safety. The occupants of the vehicle were later identified as Justin K. Church (driver) and Erica K. Church (front seat passenger). Further investigation revealed that the Nissan had been reported stolen from a residence on Skyland Drive in Kingsport on August 29, 2015 with Mr. and Mrs. Church listed as the chief suspects in the investigation. The stolen vehicle was later recovered at the Church’s residence in Rogersville on the morning of September 29, 2015; however, Mr. and Mrs. Church remain at large. K.P.D. is requesting assistance from the public in apprehending Mr. and Mrs. Church. Anyone who knows where they can be located is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: |
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| SUSPECT #1 INFORMATION | |
| Name | Justin K. Church |
| Age | Date of Birth 6/2/1989
26 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/White |
| Height/
Weight |
6 feet, 4 inches
170 pounds |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Last Known Address | 316 Bob Dykes Road
Rogersville, TN |
| Charge(s) | 1) Theft over $1,000
2) Felony Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle (2 Counts) 3) Felony Reckless Endangerment 4) Driving on a Revoked License—4th Offense (2 Counts) 5) Reckless Driving 6) Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries 7) Violation of Light Law |
| SUSPECT #2 INFORMATION | |
| Name | Erica K. Church (a.k.a. Erica K. Matthews) |
| Age | Date of Birth 12/23/1990
24 Years of Age |
| Height/
Weight |
5 feet, 5 inches
115 pounds |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Gender/Race | Female/White |
| Last Known Address | 316 Bob Dykes Road
Rogersville, TN |
| Charge(s) | Theft over $1,000 |
| RELEASING OFFICER | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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