Daily News Express

02/11/2026

Former Tellico Police officer indicted on statutory r**e charges. He also volunteers for the Monroe County Rescue Squad and Notchey Creek Fire Department. The rescue squad and fire department released statements today announcing his suspension from both departments.

MONROE COUNTY – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a now-former Tellico Plains police officer. In April 2025, at the request…

01/24/2026

Update on pursuit.

01/24/2026

RIP Peggy

Passing of Longtime Department Member Peggy Atkins

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Peggy Atkins. Peggy was a devoted member of the department for many years. From warmly welcoming visitors at the front desk, to organizing Toys for Tots, to handing out candy at Halloween events, her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart touched countless lives.

We were truly honored when her family asked members of our Color Guard to present at her graveside service today, an honor that reflects the respect and love Peggy earned through years of service.

Chief Danny Russell and all members of the department ask for your prayers and support in the days and months ahead for Peggy’s husband, Ralph, her son, Mike, and the entire family as they mourn this great loss.

01/23/2026

Three dead after McMinn County pursuit

TYPE: PURSUIT (DELAYED POST)
TIME:10:03
LOCATION: MCMINN CO
LOCATION: HWY 68 @ CO RD 298
NOTES:REPORTS OF A VEHICLE PURSUIT ACCIDENT WITH REPORTS 3 CONFIRMED FATALITIES

01/16/2026

One person charged in fatal hit and run accident this past September.

Update: Oak Grove Road Fatal Hit-And-Run

We want to provide an update on the case of Larry Lee Anthony Holtzclaw, who was the victim of a pedestrian hit-and-run incident on September 16, 2025. After a thorough five-month investigation, our detectives, in collaboration and consultation with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab and the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, gathered substantial evidence, including video footage and technical data.

On January 7, 2026, our findings were presented to a Monroe County Grand Jury as Reckless Homicide and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death. As a result, Richard Charles Johnson was indicted for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Death by the jury.

Richard has since been booked into the Monroe County Justice Center on January 13, 2026, and his bond was set at $50,000.

Detective Sergeant David Kilby was the lead investigator in this case.

01/09/2026

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASSISTS BLOUNT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH ARREST WARRANT - SUSPECT BARRICADES SELF

Today, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was requested by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the service of an arrest warrant on Diamond Branch Road in the Maryville area of Monroe County.

Upon arrival, the subject barricaded himself inside a mobile home. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office negotiators made contact with the subject and spoke with him for about 45 minutes, eventually convincing him to exit the residence. After exiting, the subject sat on the porch while negotiators continued to communicate with him.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Blount County Sheriff’s Office then utilized a distractionary technique. During this time, a MCSO detective deployed a less-than-lethal beanbag round, striking the subject and temporarily disorienting him. The disorientation allowed deputies to safely approach the subject and attempt to take him into custody. While deputies were taking the subject into custody, he actively resisted arrest.

The subject was ultimately taken into custody and turned over to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputies. In addition to the charges from Blount County, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be charging the subject with resisting arrest.

We want to commend the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Due to their coordinated efforts, this incident was brought to a peaceful conclusion without injury or further issues.

01/04/2026

DAYTON — Longtime publisher of The Herald-News Sara Jane Locke passed away Thursday morning in Chattanooga.

01/02/2026

BCSO investigators have charged a 24-year-old Lenoir City man in connection with crash that killed Deputy Mowery. Click on the link in the comments section to read more from the BCSO Newsroom.

12/29/2025

December 28, 2025

Blount County deputy killed in car crash while on duty

Blount County, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is saddened to announce that BCSO Deputy Justin Mowery was killed in the line of duty in a car crash while working his patrol shift late this afternoon.

“I am heartbroken. This is devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency, and our community,” Sheriff Berrong said. “We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened. We are also thankful for the response from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as the offers for assistance from agencies across the state.”

Deputy Mowery was 30 years old. After serving as a security officer at University of Tennessee Medical Center, he pursued his desire to become a deputy sheriff with Blount County. He began his career at the BCSO in May 2020 and attended the BCSO Regional Training Academy, graduating from Class 021 in October 2020. He was assigned to evening shift as a Patrol Deputy. In December 2021, he earned a coveted spot on the Sheriff’s SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team and continued to serve until his death.

“Please pray for Deputy Mowery’s family, and pray for our deputies,” Sheriff Berrong said.

12/22/2025

At the request of the 10th Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett, TBI special agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday in Polk County.

For more information, click the link in the comments section below.