Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A 12 year old boy was mowing the yard when he observed a maroon car drive past the residence. The car soon returned and pulled into the driveway. The suspect, who was not previously known to him, exited the car and quickly approached him yelling, “Come here boy!” and reached out to grab him.

The boy retreated through the garage and into the house. The suspect pursued him into the garage and attempted to gain entry into the home. The boy’s mother was eventually able to persuade the suspect to leave after threatening to call the police. The boy was not injured during the incident.

After further investigation, Officers were able to positively identify Tonie M. Hammonds as the suspect in question. A warrant was obtained, charging him with 1) Attempted Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, 2) Aggravated Burglary, and 3) Simple Assault. He has also been charged with Violation of Probation related to a previous theft conviction.

On the afternoon of June 19, 2021, Mr. Hammonds was taken into custody without incident at the Kingsport Justice Center. As of the time of issuance of this news release, he remains incarcerated in the Kingsport City Jail, pending arraignment, with no current eligibility for bond.

As this remains an open and active investigation with prosecution pending, no additional information, to include a possible motive, will be released at this time.

58 Years of Age

2) Aggravated Burglary

3) Simple Assault

4) Violation of Probation

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton