KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Detectives Seeking Tips in Criminal Simulation Investigation

	Kingsport Police Department David Quillin, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		K.P.D. Detectives Seeking Tips in Criminal Simulation Investigation
DATE:		October 16, 2017
CASE #:		17-027975

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 6, 2017 at approximately 7:45 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers were called to CVS, located at 4400 West Stone Drive in Kingsport. Upon arrival, the clerk stated the following had just occurred: A white female adult suspect had attempted to purchase $23 in merchandise with a $50 denomination Chinese training note. While resembling true U.S. currency, the training note was clearly marked with red Chinese writing. While possession of one of these Chinese training notes is not, in and of itself, a crime, attempting to pass one of these notes as legal tender does in fact constitute the crime of Criminal Simulation, which is a felony. Upon being informed by the clerk that the note was not legal tender, the suspect insisted that the clerk complete the transaction and give her the appropriate amount of change. When the clerk informed the suspect that she was calling the police, she grabbed the merchandise and fled the scene without paying for it, effectively committing the additional offense of Theft Under $1,000 (Shoplifting). At the time of this incident, the suspect was accompanied by a young black female child (approximately 6-8 years of age). Detectives are requesting assistance in learning the identity of this suspect. Her photograph, take from surveillance video footage has been included in this release. Anyone who recognizes her is asked to contact the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call 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: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us A photograph of the Chinese training note in question has also been included in this release. Citizens and business representatives are urged to familiarize themselves with this note and the fact that it is not legal U.S. currency. Any individuals attempting to pass these notes as legal tender should be reported to law enforcement.