On Wednesday, Crossville City Police responded to Advance Financial on Highway 127 North for the report of a physical altercation. When officers arrived they made contact with an injured female. She was covered in blood and had a laceration to her bottom lip. She stated that her boyfriend, identified as Elijah Watkins, was mad at her and began cussing her. She stated that she was “done” with Watkins, at which time he grabbed her from the front passenger seat of the car and pulled her into the back seat and began punching her. She stated he exited the vehicle, slammed the door, and kicked in the rear door window of the driver.

The female then stated that he began fighting with her sister but as soon as he heard police sirens he threw his backpack into the woods behind Advance Financial and ran into the woods towards Taco Bell. EMS was dispatched to Advance Financial due to injuries the female had obtained.  At this point an officer on the back side of Manchester Tank observed Mr. Watkins exiting the woods behind Taco Bell. He gave verbal commands for Mr. Watkins to get on the ground to which he complied. The officer placed him into custody without further incident. EMS was dispatched to the location for scratches Mr. Watkins acquired while running through the woods. EMS transported him to the Cumberland Medical Center for treatment while an officer remained with him.

An officer filled out paperwork for the domestic assault involving the female and advised her to contact the Avalon Center. The damage to the window that Mr. Watkins kicked out is estimated to be $500. Mr. Watkins was released from the ER and was transported to the Cumberland County Justice Center for booking. An officer then obtained written statements from the two employees of Advance financial and from the victim’s sister, all of who observed the assault and vandalism occur.