Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown and Police Chief David Rausch named Lt. Greg Hoskins the July Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Lt. Hoskins has been with the department since November 1981.
Chief Rausch said that on three separate self-initiated investigations, Lt. Hoskins' activities resulted in four suspects being charged with multiple felonies. The series of arrests started on June 20, 2011, when Lt. Hoskins observed a vehicle burglary suspect in the parking lot of a motel on Central Avenue Pike. The suspect attempted to flee but was taken into custody without incident. One vehicle was found to have been burglarized. The keys to that vehicle were located in the suspect's pockets. The suspect, Robert Whipple, III (DOB 1-17-73 - Homeless), was charged with one count of auto burglary and possession of burglary tools. Several additional warrants were on file for his arrest from Knox County.
On July 17, 2011, at approximately 2:19 a.m., Lt. Hoskins was conducting property checks in an unmarked cruiser when he observed two males breaking into a vehicle at a business located at 2013 Dutch Valley Road. The suspects had stolen the vehicle from another business and were in the process of draining the gasoline from the vehicle.
It is believed the suspects had brought the van to this location to be set on fire after the contents had been removed. Robert Wooten (DOB 3-19-81 - Knoxville), and Charles Grubb (DOB 8-19-78 - Knoxville), were both charged with multiple felonies including theft of a motor vehicle and felony vandalism.
On July 31, 2011, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Lt. Hoskins was patrolling in the area of Cedar Lane looking for a wanted burglary suspect when he observed the suspect's girlfriend drive through the area. Lt. Hoskins followed the vehicle to a market on Woodland Avenue where he observed the wanted suspect get into the vehicle. Lt. Hoskins, with the assistance of additional officers, conducted a traffic stop as the vehicle entered Western Heights. The suspect ran from the vehicle and into a nearby wooded area. A K-9 located the suspect hiding under a piece of carpet. The suspect, Charles Brandon Smith (DOB 7-2-86 - Knoxville), was charged with evading arrest in addition to several outstanding warrants.
Chief Rausch said, "Lt. Hoskins exhibited great leadership not just once, but on three separate occasions setting an example for his officers to follow. By using his training and experience, he was able to make multiple felony arrests and solved several criminal cases."
Mayor Brown said, "We congratulate Lt. Hoskins on a job well done."
Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.