June 4, 2025

Shooting Incident at Evape Tavern in Knoxville Leads to Arrests

News Summary

Early Tuesday morning, two individuals were arrested after a shooting at the Evape Tavern in Knoxville’s Happy Holler Historic District. Robert Vandergriff, 58, fired several shots at the bar after his girlfriend was denied service due to intoxication. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Vandergriff faces multiple counts of aggravated assault, while Glenda Savage, 59, faces one count. The incident underscores concerns about gun violence and alcohol service responsibility in local venues.

Knoxville – Two individuals were arrested early Tuesday morning after a shooting incident at the Evape Tavern and Dispensary in the Happy Holler Historic District. The shooting occurred around 2:40 a.m. when officers responded to reports of gunfire at the establishment located on North Central Street.

According to reports, the incident began when one of the arrested individuals, Robert Vandergriff, 58, attempted to persuade the bar staff to serve his girlfriend, Glenda Savage, 59, who had already been denied service due to her level of intoxication. Bar personnel requested both Vandergriff and Savage to leave the premises after they refused to comply with the staff’s decision.

After leaving the bar, Vandergriff and Savage returned to the establishment. Vandergriff parked their vehicle on Central Street, exited the car, and started shooting at the bar’s exterior. Witnesses indicated that Vandergriff fired approximately five to six shots during the incident.

At the time of the shooting, there were a total of three people in the vicinity: one person was outside and two were inside the tavern. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the gunfire.

Law enforcement officers quickly responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Vandergriff and Savage were subsequently identified as the suspects involved in the shooting. Following their identification, officers arrested both individuals at the scene without incident.

Vandergriff now faces three counts of aggravated assault, indicating the severity of the allegations against him. Savage is charged with one count of aggravated assault. The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to look into the incident.

Gun violence has been a concerning issue in many communities, and this incident serves as a reminder of the potential for altercations to escalate into dangerous situations. The response from law enforcement was prompt, and their quick action helped to prevent any physical harm to those present during the shooting.

As the investigation proceeds, residents and patrons in the area may have heightened concerns about safety and security in local establishments. Local community leaders could respond with increased measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff at bars and other public venues in the Happy Holler Historic District.

This incident highlights the importance of responsible alcohol service and the need for establishments to ensure that patrons are not over-served. It underscores the role that bar staff play in maintaining a safe environment for everyone and the potential consequences when these protocols are not observed.

Authorities encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward, as it may assist in their ongoing investigation. In the meantime, local residents remain hopeful that the community can come together to address the issue of violence and maintain a safe atmosphere for entertainment and leisure.

This shooting incident is still unfolding, and residents are urged to stay informed about updates in the case as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, officials are expected to release further information as they work closely with local community members and stakeholders to address any concerns raised by the event.

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Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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