Stabbing Suspect Dies in Car Crash Following Police Chase in Maryville – A Tragic End to a Dangerous Pursuit
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – On the late evening, local Alcoa police responded to a stabbing incident. When they arrived at the scene, the victim, Kenneth Gervin and a witness, Christina Smith, identified the perpetrator as a man known only as ‘Ron’ who fled the scene with his girlfriend, Cora Hopkins, after a violent altercation.
Identification and Pursuit
The officers were able to identify the suspect, Ron Wells, based on descriptions provided by both the victim, witness, and a neighbor who confirmed the suspect had two distinct cross tattoos on his face. A “Be On the Look Out” (BOLO) notice was issued for Wells and a gray Honda Accord, which he was suspected to be driving.
Maryville police spotted the vehicle and attempted to pull Wells over. Instead, Wells led the officers on a chase through Maryville before the pursuit ended at East Broadway Avenue and Brown School Road.
Fatal Car Crash
Wells then caused a three-vehicle collision on East Broadway Avenue near Fremont Circle after the chase was terminated. The vehicle in which Mr. Wells was operating was involved in a crash involving two other vehicles. Four people, including Mr. Wells, were transported to hospital,” stated Chief of Police, Tony Crisp.
A Tragic End
Reports suggest that Wells and his passenger, Hopkins, were severely injured and that a knife was discovered in Wells’s pocket. Officers involved immediately secured the scene and both Wells and Hopkins were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for emergency treatment. Wells, however, did not survive his injuries.
Victim’s Condition Still Unknown
Back at the initial crime scene, stabbing victim Kenneth Gervin was also hospitalized. The current condition of Gervin and the two other individuals injured in the crash remains undisclosed.
The chain of events, from the stabbing to the chase and subsequent crash, have left the local community in shock. As the authorities continue with their investigations, they encourage any potential witnesses or those with further information to assist.