SUBJECT: KPD Investigates Shooting On Cherry Street
DATE: March 27th, 2024
CASE #: 24-004793
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On March 26, 2024, at approximately 6:58 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to the 1100 block of Cherry Street in reference to reported gunfire. Responding officer located Richard Arnold on the scene and saw that he had an injury to his left ear. During their investigation, Officers learned that Arnold and four other adults were at the residence when a male, later identified as Samuel Murphy, arrived at the residence, and presented a firearm. Murphy then fired the weapon, striking Arnold in his left ear. No other injuries were reported from the gun fire. Murphy fled the scene prior to officers arriving.
Officers were able to determine that it was an isolated incident, and there was no threat to the public.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murphy, charging him with attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated assault, and felony reckless endangerment.
On March 27, 2024, in the early morning hours, Kingsport Detectives developed a lead in the case and obtained a search warrant for an address in the 1300 block of Garden Drive. Due to the level of violence that was used during the incident, Kingsport SWAT was used to execute the warrant.
On March 27, 2024, at approximately 3:00 pm, Kingsport Detectives along with agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Johnson City Police Department located Murphy at a hotel in Johnson City, TN. Murphy was arrested and taken to the Kingsport City Jail, where he was booked in for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated assault, and felony reckless endangerment.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name: Samuel Murphy
Age: 41
Gender/Race: Male/Black
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Charges: Attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name: Richard Arnold
Age: 35
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Injuries: Gunshot to left ear
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov