Knoxville, Tenn. – Two teenagers were arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly throwing rocks from an overpass onto I-640, striking several tractor-trailers. The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) responded to the scene, where the actions of the suspects were deemed both dangerous and reckless.
The incident unfolded early Tuesday morning, around 4:30 a.m., when a tractor-trailer driver reported that an object had struck his truck, shattering the windshield. Although officers investigated the scene near I-640 West at Bruhin Road, no suspects were located at that time.
The situation escalated early Wednesday morning, when KPD received multiple calls about rocks being dropped from an overpass onto I-640. According to police, these rocks hit several tractor-trailers traveling on the interstate. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 a.m.
TDOT cameras helped identify two individuals—16-year-old and 17-year-old males—walking on the railroad overpass that crosses I-640. After being detained on Central Avenue Pike, the teens admitted to throwing rocks off the overpass, according to KPD.
Both juveniles were charged with reckless endangerment and transported to the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center. No injuries were reported in either incident, but the potential for harm was significant. The rocks, if striking the wrong area of a vehicle, could have caused serious accidents or injuries.
KPD’s Property Crime detectives are now investigating whether the suspects were involved in other acts of vandalism in the area earlier in the week. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The arrest highlights the dangers posed by such reckless actions, especially when carried out by minors. Authorities continue to stress the importance of holding individuals accountable for such behaviors to prevent future incidents.
