Knoxville, Tenn. — A Knoxville man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly fired shots at a car containing two one-year-old children, narrowly missing them, according to the Knoxville Police Department (KPD).
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, in the 2200 block of Lonsdale Pike. Authorities said the victims, a man and woman, were driving near Virginia Avenue and McSpadden Street when they witnessed 29-year-old Wesley Tipton exit a silver SUV and open fire on their vehicle.
At the time of the shooting, the victims’ two young children, both under the age of two, were inside the car. According to KPD spokesperson Scott Erland, the gunfire narrowly missed one of the children, though no one was struck by the bullets. Police reports indicate that at least one shot went through the car’s windshield.
The shooting prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers located Tipton near Keith Avenue and Mingle Avenue and took him into custody without further incident.
During the arrest, authorities discovered approximately 90 pills and a marijuana pipe in Tipton’s vehicle. Tipton was charged with four counts of aggravated assault and being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon.
This incident highlights the continued dangers posed by gun violence, especially when innocent children are put in harm’s way. Fortunately, in this case, the children and others involved were unharmed.
Tipton remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
