West Knoxville, October 13, 2025

News Summary

Austin Ford, aged 27, faces multiple charges following a violent incident in West Knoxville where he allegedly brandished a rifle during a confrontation with a couple. The incident arose from disputes in the parking lot of Bucket Head Tavern, escalating to Ford pursuing the couple in their vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite gunfire during the altercation. Law enforcement apprehended Ford later on Clinton Highway, where he was taken into custody.

Knoxville

Austin Ford, a 27-year-old man, is facing multiple charges following a violent incident that occurred in West Knoxville early Sunday morning. According to the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), the incident took place around 2:10 a.m. and involved Ford brandishing a rifle and pursuing a couple in a blue Dodge Charger.

Ford has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of disorderly conduct. The situation escalated after several verbal and physical fights among a group at the parking lot of the Bucket Head Tavern, located on Ray Mears Boulevard. Ford, accompanied by a woman in a white truck, reportedly circled the Dodge Charger driven by the couple, engaging in a high-tension confrontation.

The sequence of events initiated when the woman in the Charger informed police that Ford parked directly in front of them, effectively blocking their exit. A subsequent verbal argument erupted between the couple in the Charger and Ford along with his female companion. This quarrel led to a physical altercation between the two women involved.

After the fight, Ford allegedly retrieved a rifle from the back of his white truck. The actions of Ford instilled fear in witnesses present during the incident, who reported feeling threatened due to his behavior with the firearm. Following the altercation, the couple in the Charger attempted to flee the scene, with Ford and the woman in the truck trailing them towards Kingston Pike.

As they approached the vicinity of Red Lobster, multiple gunshots were heard by the woman in the Charger. It remains unclear whether the shots were fired directly at her boyfriend or into the air. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or direct hits from the gunfire, and no individuals were struck.

Ford left the scene prior to the arrival of KPD but was later apprehended on the 7000 block of Clinton Highway.

Details of the Incident

• Time of Incident: 2:10 a.m.
• Charges:
  • Three counts of aggravated assault
  • Two counts of reckless endangerment
  • One count of disorderly conduct
• Location: Bucket Head Tavern parking lot, Ray Mears Boulevard
• Weapons Used: Rifle

Status Update

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The involvement of multiple individuals and the presence of a firearm heightened the seriousness of the situation, prompting rapid police response and investigation.

Background Context

Incidents involving firearms, especially in public spaces, raise significant concerns regarding safety and community welfare. Law enforcement agencies like KPD are continuously working to address such matters through patrols, community outreach, and strict enforcement of laws regarding weapon possession and public conduct. The Knoxville area, like many urban environments, can witness heated disputes that, without immediate resolution, have the potential to escalate dangerously.

FAQ

Who is Austin Ford?

Austin Ford is a 27-year-old man facing multiple charges after an incident in West Knoxville.

What charges has Ford been arrested for?

Ford is facing three counts of aggravated assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of disorderly conduct.

What happened during the incident?

The incident involved Ford brandishing a rifle and pursuing a couple in a blue Dodge Charger after verbal and physical fights at a parking lot.

Where did the incident take place?

The incident occurred at the parking lot of Bucket Head Tavern on Ray Mears Boulevard, West Knoxville.

Were there any injuries reported?

No injuries were reported, and no individuals were struck by gunfire.

How was Ford apprehended?

Ford left the scene before KPD arrived but was later taken into custody on the 7000 block of Clinton Highway.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Joshua Wayne Cole Pleads Guilty to Threats Against Abilene Pride Parade
Tennessee Man Arrested Over Social Media Threats
Ashlee Crouse’s Inspiring Journey from Addiction to Restoration
Tadaryl Shipp Denied Parole in 1995 Murder Case
Charges Dismissed Against Former Knoxville Officer
Search Underway for Missing 15-Year-Old in Knoxville
Charges Against UT Protesters Dismissed
Knoxville Man Charged with Reckless Endangerment after Road Rage Shooting
Knoxville Man Appears in Court for Stabbing His Mother and Cat
Foreign Brands Profit from Memorial Merchandise After Tragedy

Additional Resources

• WBIR: Austin Ford Faces Multiple Charges
• Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
• WATE: Knoxville Police Searching for 18-Year-Old
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
• KCCI: Iowa Attorney General on Fatal Police Shooting
• Google News: Knoxville Police

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.