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Kingsport Police Department
David Quillin, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 |
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| NEWS RELEASE | |||
| SUBJECT: | Adult Suspect in Custody Following Morning Shooting Incident that Injured Juvenile | ||
| DATE: | April 30, 2020 | ||
| CASE #: | 20-009181 | ||
| GENERAL NARRATIVE | |||
| On April 30, 2020 at approximately 6:30 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Westfield Drive in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival, Officers located a 14 year old black male juvenile with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
K.P.D. Detectives responded to the scene. Their subsequent investigation revealed that the juvenile was shot by Lazarith E. Freeman, who had since retreated to the Sevier County/Knox County area following the incident. Mr. Freeman was also believed to be wanted on several unrelated preexisting charges from the Sevier County area. With the assistance of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and other law enforcement agencies, Mr. Freeman is now in custody. He has been charged with Felony Reckless Endangerment and Tampering with Evidence in connection to this morning’s incident in Kingsport. Neither the suspect nor the victim are residents of Kingsport; however, both were believed to be acquainted prior to the shooting. This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. To protect the integrity of that investigation and not hinder future prosecution, no further details regarding this incident will be released at this time. |
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| SUSPECT INFORMATION | |
| Name | Lazarith E. Freeman |
| Age | Date of Birth 4/4/2000
20 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/White |
| Residency | 714 Pollard Road
Kodak, TN |
| Charge(s) | 1) Felony Reckless Endangerment
2) Tampering with Evidence |
(Arrested by other agency, so no local mugshot available.)
| VICTIM INFORMATION | |
| Name | Not Released Due to Minor Age |
| Age | 14 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/Black |
| Residency | Knoxville, TN |
| Injuries | Gunshot Wound |
| RELEASING OFFICER | ||
| Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX) ThomasMPatton |
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