Maryville, Tennessee - City of Maryville Chief of Police, Tony Jay Crisp, has released the name of the Officer who was shot and killed Thursday, August 25 while on duty.
Officer Kenny Moats, age 32, of Maryville, Tennessee was pronounced dead at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. He was killed by a single bullet wound to the neck, just above his bullet-proof vest.
Officer Moats has been with the City of Maryville Police Department since February 2007 and in June of 2010 was assigned to traffic as a motor officer. In May of 2016, he was assigned to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force as a drug enforcement agent. He was a 2002 graduate of Heritage High School in Maryville. Officer Moats graduated from Walters State Police Academy in December of 2005.
According to Chief Crisp, his career with the City was stellar. Officer Moats received many commendations from citizens about the work he did while with the City of Maryville Police Department, even recognized as a Readers’ Choice Police Officer by the Readers of the Daily Times in 2011. Since January, Officer Moats has served as President of the Fraternal Order of Police - Bud Allison Memorial Lodge #9.
Chief Crisp said, “We are humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and beyond. We will forever be grateful for the care our community has shown the family of Officer Moats and the law enforcement community. We know this tragedy will bring our community closer together and that will be a lasting legacy of Officer Moats. We just ask that our community continue to pray for the family of Officer Moats and for the men and women in uniform as we go through this trying time.”
UPDATE 11:05 AM
A memorial fund for Officer Moats has been established by KenJo Markets in the amount of $10,000. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fund can drop off donations at CBBC Bank or the City of Maryville - please checks payable to the Kenny Moats Memorial Fund.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to KenJo Markets and Wes and Charlie Carruthers for their generosity. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and caring this community is extending to us,” said Chief Crisp.
Local law enforcement agencies have stepped up to assist the Maryville Police Department with officers and staff to support their efforts as the department continues to manage and cope with the loss of one of their own. Chief Crisp is advising the community that agencies may be responding to their calls and that these agencies have the authority to act on behalf of Maryville.
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Previously released by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office:
Shortly before 4 p.m. [August 25], two investigators assigned to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force were in the area of Alcoa Trail on another investigation when the call of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm was dispatched. The investigators were close to the call and responded. They parked their vehicle at a residence approximately 70 yards behind the house from which the call originated. Once on the scene, investigators were able to take the victim, who is Stalons’ father, into a safe area. They then positioned themselves behind their vehicle waiting on help to arrive while watching the house. As they were taking cover, Stalons opened fire on them from his father’s garage, striking the Maryville police officer in the neck. The other investigator, a Blount County deputy, returned fire on Stalons. Both investigators were wearing ballistic vests. Another Blount County deputy arrived on the scene during this time and returned fire on Stalons. The deputies were able to take Stalons into custody and he was transported to the Blount County Detention Facility.
