In a grave reminder of the vulnerabilities of public space, Knoxville's Krutch Park became the scene of two unrelated stabbings in just under a week; the latest incident occurred last night and resulted in the arrest of 56-year-old Kevin Self. According to details released by the Knoxville Police Department and reported by WVLT News, Self has been charged with felony aggravated assault after he allegedly stabbed Walter Greene, a man with whom he had been acquainted since 2013.
Authorities responded to the scene around 11 p.m., where they discovered Greene with a stab wound to his abdomen; he was later hospitalized with injuries that were not expected to be life-threatening; however, the assault represents yet another fracture in the perceived safety of this public gathering space, according to information by WBIR. Self, found on Locust Street near Summit Towers, reportedly admitted to the assault and was found with the purported weapon, a knife still smeared with what appeared to be blood.
Witness accounts given to authorities and shared with WATE depicted a heated altercation before the stabbing, with Self allegedly "running his mouth" at the victim before the violent engagement, after which the suspect fled the scene in his electric wheelchair towards Market Street. These events unfolding near a locale meant for community leisure have now twice turned into a crime scene.
According to KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland, this incident is separate from the previous stabbing on June 1, and Self wasn't involved in it. David Moore, 60, has been charged and arrested in connection with the first incident. Although these two acts of violence have disturbed Krutch Park's calm within days of each other, the Knoxville Police Department assures the public that there's no broader threat. However, it raises concerns about safety in places where Knoxvillians should feel secure from violent disruptions.
