Knoxville, Tenn. – A man is facing serious charges, including attempted first-degree murder, after allegedly firing shots at a woman Saturday night on Hawthorne Avenue. According to Knoxville Police Department (KPD) officials, the incident began around 9:40 p.m. when officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of the street.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Benjamin Shuttlesworth, was reportedly seen leaving the scene in a dark-colored Cadillac sedan. Officers quickly located and stopped the vehicle, where Shuttlesworth and two other individuals were detained for further questioning.
During the investigation, KPD officials discovered multiple firearms inside the vehicle, including four loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun. One of the handguns was reported stolen out of Pennsylvania. Authorities also found the shotgun in the middle of the road near the scene of the shooting.
Shuttlesworth, who was already wanted on an outstanding warrant for domestic abuse in Knox County, allegedly fired the shots at the 41-year-old woman due to an ongoing personal dispute. The victim, who has not been identified, was reportedly the target of Shuttlesworth’s violent outburst.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Shuttlesworth is facing charges of felony reckless endangerment and felony vandalism. The case is still under investigation as police continue to gather evidence.
Shuttlesworth’s arrest highlights a troubling pattern of violent incidents linked to domestic conflicts in the area. Authorities are urging anyone with further information about the shooting or the suspect to come forward.
