KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department has identified both victims from the two connected shootings that happened Saturday morning.
28-year-old Robert Scruggs was charged with first-degree murder and felony murder in connection with both shootings— one at Anderson Automotive and the second in the 400 block of North Broadway.
Scruggs shot Claude Johnson, a 55-year-old, after breaking into an automotive store. He was allegedly wearing a "distinctive face mask and dark colored hooded jacket," when he broke into the business, KPD said.
Surveillance footage showed the Johnson falling to the ground before Scruggs took keys from his pocket. Johnson's holster on his belt was also found empty, according to KPD.
Scruggs left in Johnson's stolen Kia Sorento. Johnson later died at the hospital from his wounds, records show.
The other victim was identified on Tuesday as Dennard Davis, 37.
Detectives on the scene were able to view security footage of the North Broadway shooting that showed Scruggs walking up to Davis, raising his leg and shooting him from a gun inside his pocket, according to an arrest record.
After the second shooting, officers located the stolen Kia and attempted to stop it, but Scruggs fled, according to KPD.
Officers later located the Kia with nobody in it behind 902 Morningside Drive. Officers found Scruggs behind a fence near the car. After his arrest, the keys to the Kia were found in his possession as well as a firearm also stolen from the first victim, records show.
The distinctive mask was located inside the stolen Kia, according to records.
Scruggs was already arrested by the time they received the footage from the second shooting, but was able to be identified based on his distinctive shirt and the hole in his pants consistent with a gun being fired through the pocket, records state.
At the time of the shootings, Scruggs was wanted out of Monroe County for failing to appear. His pending charges in Monroe County include theft of property, burglary of an auto, two counts of vandalism and aggravated criminal trespassing, according to court records.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two members of our community who tragically lost their lives this morning,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Our department is entirely committed to preventing violent crime and quickly removing those responsible for committing it from our streets. I am incredibly proud of the thorough, collaborative response of our dedicated officers and detectives to this morning’s shootings. Their efforts resulted in the almost immediate apprehension of a man now accused in two murders.”
The motive for the shootings is unknown at this time.