David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

These gunshots were heard over the phone by the Dispatcher as well as in person by the first responding Officer. Some of the rounds exited Mr. Byrd’s apartment and entered an occupied apartment across the hall. Additional neighboring apartments were also occupied at the time of the incident. Nobody appears to have been struck by any of the gunfire.

Detectives obtained a warrant, charging Mr. Byrd with Felony Reckless Endangerment. On December 6, 2019 at approximately 7:15 PM, he was booked into the Kingsport City Jail. He has since been transferred to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville, where he will remain confined, pending arraignment, in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

The reasoning behind the initial 9-1-1 call that was placed by Mr. Byrd as well as any possible motivator for the shots that he fired remain part of an active criminal investigation. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.

As previously released:

Update #3: The suspect in this incident has been identified as Michael H. Byrd (45 year old white male of Kingsport). He has been taken to an area medical facility for a mental status evaluation.

This remains an active criminal investigation with charges pending. As such, no further details will be released at this time.

As previously released:

Update #2: The suspect is now in custody. Officers are in the process of reopening adjacent roadways and clearing the scene.

No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

As previously released:

Update: The investigation thus far into the reported shots fired on Lovedale Drive has revealed the following:

For unknown reasons, an adult male suspect fired multiple gunshots either inside or in close proximity to a small apartment building, located in the 500 block of Lovedale Drive. The suspect is believed to still be inside the apartment. At this time, Officers have no reason to believe anyone was stuck by any of the gunfire.

Multiple officers and tactical units are on scene, and a perimeter has been established. For safety reasons, neighboring residents are being evacuated while Officers work toward a resolution.

No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

As previously released:

On December 6, 2019 at approximately 6:30 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 500 block of Lovedale Drive in Kingsport. Officers are currently in the process of investigating that incident.

In the meantime, out of an abundance of caution, some adjacent roadways have been temporarily closed for safety. These closures include the entirety of Lovedale Drive and the section of Clinchfield Street from Center Street to Stone Drive. Citizens are asked to plan ahead and avoid the area for the time being.

No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

45 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton