Kenneth Powell
An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Greene County has resulted in the arrest of a Kingsport man.
On May 18, at the request of 3rd District Attorney General Dan Armstrong, TBI special agents began investigating the circumstances that led to an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred in Greene County. The investigation revealed that a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper observed a vehicle stopped along the ramp leading to the weigh station located on I-81 South at Mile Marker 21.
The trooper made contact with the driver, identified as Kenneth C. Powell, 25, who indicated that he had stopped because the vehicle was almost out of fuel. Further investigation by the trooper revealed the truck was reported stolen out of Sullivan County. Upon being confronted, Powell attempted to flee the area and drove the vehicle into the median. As the trooper approached the vehicle, Powell began firing shots from inside the truck. The trooper returned fire, striking Powell. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
This week, agents secured a warrant for Powell, charging him with one count of attempted first degree murder. He was arrested Thursday evening and booked into the Greene County Jail on a $100,000 bond.