KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A 26-year-old man has been convicted on multiple charges, including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault, following a harrowing incident that took place in June 2022.
Tyshawn Cook approached a woman while she was sitting in her car at an apartment complex in Fort Sanders.
According to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, Cook forced the victim into the passenger seat of her car and drove her to several ATMs, where he demanded she withdraw money. After obtaining the funds, Cook physically and sexually assaulted the victim before forcing her into the trunk of her vehicle. The assailant later released the victim, but he stole her car and fled the scene.
The case remained unsolved until a breakthrough in the investigation occurred. DNA evidence collected from the victim’s car led to a match, identifying Cook as the perpetrator. The victim later confirmed this identification in a statement to detectives with the Knoxville Police Department.
District Attorney Charme Allen expressed the importance of DNA evidence in securing a conviction. “This is a case where DNA evidence provided the link needed to identify this offender and hold him accountable,” she said. Cook, who was also identified as a member of a criminal street gang, has a lengthy criminal history.
He has six prior felony convictions, many of which are for similar charges. His conviction marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the area. Tyshawn Cook is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, and he faces a lengthy prison term for his crimes. The victim, whose name has not been released, continues to recover from the traumatic experience.
This case highlights both the persistence of law enforcement in seeking justice and the crucial role that forensic technology plays in bringing offenders to account.
