KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND FBI ARREST 7 IN MAJOR DRUG AND VIOLENT CRIME OPERATION
On March 3, 2026, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Organized Retail Crime Units, working together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, carried out a targeted operation aimed at violent offenders and mid-level drug dealers in Knox County.
The multi-faceted effort resulted in the arrest of seven individuals: Damien Debro and Amari Beal of Knoxville, Tennessee; Terrance Johnson of Asheville, North Carolina; James Cooper and Adarius Redmond, also of Knoxville; Leandre Beard of Flint, Michigan; and Rangel Mitchner of Detroit, Michigan.
The operation involved multiple traffic stops, three vehicle pursuits that concluded safely without injuries or property damage, two foot pursuits, and the execution of a residential search warrant. Authorities recovered six handguns, one short-barreled rifle, executed seven outstanding arrest warrants, and took into custody two suspects believed to have been involved in multiple shootings.
In addition, agents seized more than 125 grams of cocaine, 5.4 grams of suspected psychedelic mushrooms, 10 grams of MDMA, 358 grams of marijuana, and over $4,000 in U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI stated that they will continue their collaborative efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the area.
