PRESS RELEASE

ARRESTED – KENNETH J. COLLINS

Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider announced the arrest of Kenneth J. Collins of 995 Old Spears Road in Lenoir City for the burglary of a residence on Lakeview Drive in Lenoir City, which occurred while the home owner was at the residence.

At approximately 12:16 PM on Wednesday, September 8, a homeowner on Lakeview Drive in Lenoir City was in his basement when he heard noises upstairs. When he went upstairs, he caught the subject inside his residence with something in his hand. The homeowner startled Collins and gave chase. Collins dropped a jar of change during the process. Deputies and Investigators also had information of Collins being in the area prior to the incident. With assistance from two neighbors, a description of Collins was obtained. Sheriff’s deputies, K-9 officers, investigators, and other Sheriff’s Office personnel set up a perimeter of the area where Collins had fled. After searching for several minutes, Sheriff Guider said Collins was located hiding behind a large rock by a K-9 officer. He was taken into custody by deputies. After his arrest, additional coins taken from the residence were also found. During an interview by Investigators, Collins admitted to the burglary.

Sheriff Guider noted that the case came together thanks to the alert victim and his neighbors, dispatchers, and all the Sheriff’s Department personnel that responded so quickly. He said that Collins could not do anything but lie down and hope for the best, and obviously that did not work out for him. Collins was charged with theft and aggravated burglary and is being held at the Loudon County Jail under an $11,000 bond.