KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knoxville man shot a suspected burglar early Thursday morning after the individual attempted to break into a vehicle near downtown Knoxville, according to the Knoxville Police Department (KPD).
The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. at 200 East Magnolia Avenue.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found 43-year-old Travis Bullock with gunshot wounds. Bullock was taken to a local hospital, where he is expected to survive.
KPD spokesperson Scott Erland stated that Bullock had smashed the window of a parked vehicle with a golf club. During the burglary attempt, a 24-year-old man heard the noise and intervened. Erland explained that Bullock struck the intervening man with the golf club, prompting the 24-year-old to shoot Bullock in self-defense.
The 24-year-old is fully cooperating with investigators, and no charges have been filed against him at this time. However, authorities confirmed that Bullock is expected to face charges in connection with the attempted car burglary.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with KPD asking anyone with information to come forward.
The case adds to ongoing concerns about vehicle burglaries in the area, with police advising residents to take precautions to secure their vehicles.
