KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — The Knox County Sheriff's Office is investigating a string of vehicle burglaries that targeted law enforcement vehicles.
According to KCSO, two people are in custody and are accused of breaking into 15 to 20 vehicles between Sept. 2023 and Oct. 13, including three law enforcement vehicles. Deputies said the two stole various pieces of equipment and personal items from the vehicles.
The two suspects are identified as William Brewster, 22, and Zachary Jordan, 23.
According to KCSO, the two are accused of stealing two vehicles, both of which have been recovered. They are also accused of stealing seven guns and other items from inside vehicles.
“The majority of that has been recovered by these guys and they're working very hard to make sure the things there were stolen -- not only from the law enforcement vehicles but other vehicles -- is not used in other crimes, and that’s a big concern for us,” Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said.
According to Jordan's arrest report, KCSO was able to identify him as a suspect in a Fountain City vehicle burglary after forensic teams found his blood inside a Ford F-250 that had its passenger window busted out on Gibbs Drive. The report said the burglar stole nearly $400 in county-issued equipment.
The investigation is still ongoing and also involves the Knoxville Police Department, Sevierville Police Department and the Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force. Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact KCSO's Property Crimes Unit.
"We’re asking people to contact us. Reach out to the sheriff’s office if you notice that your vehicle has been broken into or something may be missing right now. We need to know about it,” Spangler said.
In the meantime, Spangler said the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to not leave any valuable items unattended in their vehicles.