Knoxville

The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) arrested two individuals following a domestic argument that escalated into gunfire at an apartment complex on Tazewell Pike on Saturday afternoon. The incident involved a man identified as Joel Canales, 31, who reportedly fired multiple gunshots into the air during the dispute. Fortunately, no one was hit by the gunfire, and all individuals involved were accounted for.

Before officers arrived, several witnesses reported disturbances involving a gray Mercedes with tinted windows. Upon their arrival, KPD officers noticed the vehicle exiting the parking lot and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, Donna Simpson, 39, was arrested as the driver, along with passenger Joel Canales. An empty holster was discovered on Canales, and police located a firearm in the vicinity of where an object was thrown from the vehicle.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, officers spoke to a woman who had severe lacerations on her head. She stated that Simpson had entered her apartment uninvited to use the bathroom. After entering, Simpson confronted the victim and physically assaulted her, leading to Canales firing shots into the air. Witness statements, including that of the victim’s mother, confirmed seeing Canales brandish a gun and fire shots while Simpson reportedly encouraged his behavior.

At one point during the altercation, Canales attempted to enter the victim’s apartment while armed, but he was thwarted by the victim’s mother, who managed to kick the gun away. In a series of alarming events, Canales later returned to the apartment complex, striking his sister in the head with the handgun and allegedly strangling her.

The victim of the initial attack was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center due to her injuries. Following the incident, Canales faces multiple charges including six counts of domestic aggravated assault, one count of prohibited weapon possession, and one count of tampering with evidence. Meanwhile, Simpson has been charged with facilitation of aggravated assault and driving on a suspended license.

Background Information

Domestic disputes can escalate quickly, leading to dangerous situations, as seen in this case. Gun violence has been a growing concern nationwide, and incidents like this underline the need for awareness and preventive measures within communities.

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