David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A black 2001 Toyota Camry was northbound on Wilcox Drive when the driver and sole occupant, Molly E. Tinkham, apparently fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle veered to the left across oncoming traffic lanes and struck a utility pole on the opposite side of the roadway. After striking the pole, her vehicle continued down an embankment before coming to a stop.

Ms. Tinkham was checked at the scene for possible injuries by Sullivan County E.M.S; however, she declined transport to a hospital for further treatment. She could not provide proof of insurance on her vehicle. She was cited for 1) Failure to Exercise Due Care and 2) Failure to Comply with Financial Responsibility (No Insurance).

The broken utility pole and downed utility lines stretched across Wilcox Drive necessitating a complete road closure from Meadowview Parkway to Jared Drive. Appropriate detours have been implemented. AEP is currently estimating that the road closure will likely remain in effect until at least mid-afternoon today.

Motorists should make every possible effort to avoid this area and seek an alternate route. Anyone already in the immediate area is asked to slow down, pay attention, be patient, and follow all traffic instructions.

An update will be issued when normal traffic patterns resume.

As previously released:

On December 5, 2018 at approximately 4:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a crash with injury in the 1000 block of Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. As a result of this crash, a broken utility pole and downed utility lines are stretched across Wilcox Drive. Wilcox Drive is completely closed indefinitely in both directions from Meadowview Parkway to Jared Drive until the roadway can be cleared.

Detours are in the process of being put in place. Motorists, especially morning commuter traffic, should make every possible effort to avoid this area and seek an alternate route. Anyone already in the immediate area is asked to slow down, pay attention, be patient, and follow all traffic instructions. Specific details regarding the crash itself will not be available until later in the day today.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton