Michigan Fugitive Arrested in Knoxville Following Multi-Agency Effort

BLOUNT COUNTY, TN – A 19-year-old Detroit man wanted in Michigan on warrants related to armed robbery and assault with intent to murder was apprehended Tuesday in Knoxville following a multi-agency law enforcement effort.

According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Stewart with the KCSO Narcotics Unit was working with the Smoky Mountain Fugitive Task Force after receiving information from law enforcement partners in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County, Michigan, that Donnell Fonville III, 19, of Detroit, was believed to be in the Knoxville area.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Stewart located a vehicle associated with Fonville in the 900 block of East Hill Avenue.

Fonville was reportedly observed leaving a residence and fled on foot when law enforcement attempted to make contact.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Knoxville Police Department officers established a perimeter while KCSO AirWatch provided aerial assistance.

A Blount County law enforcement officer assigned to the Smoky Mountain Fugitive Task Force, along with his K-9 partner, ultimately located and apprehended Fonville.

Fonville was transported to a local medical center for treatment, according to authorities. He is expected to face extradition proceedings to Michigan in connection with the outstanding warrants.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said the operation involved law enforcement agencies from Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, Knox and Loudon counties, as well as law enforcement partners in Michigan.

Authorities credited the participating agencies with sharing information and resources during the operation.