A man is facing serious charges after a shooting incident in Knoxville that took place last Saturday night. Benjamin Shuttlesworth, 47, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder following the event. According to Knoxville Police Department spokesperson Scott Erland in a statement obtained by WVLT, officers responded to the 200 block of Hawthorne Avenue around 9:40 p.m., on the lookout for a dark-colored Cadillac sedan associated with the shooting.
Upon locating and stopping the vehicle, Shuttlesworth and two passengers were detained for further investigation. Erland said that, adjoining the vehicle, officers discovered four loaded handguns, including one that was reportedly stolen from Pennsylvania, and a loaded shotgun found in the middle of the road. As per WBIR, Shuttlesworth is accused of firing multiple rounds at a 41-year-old woman, though she was not injured in the assault.
Investigators believe that the shooting was motivated by anger that Shuttlesworth harbored against the woman. Additionally, it was noted by the Knoxville Police that Shuttlesworth was wanted on an outstanding warrant for aggravated domestic assault in Knox County. This appended potential history of violence casts a darkened pall over the already grave charges of attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and vandalism.
Shuttlesworth is currently being held accountable for these actions, facing multiple felony charges. Further details about the case, including information on the detainment of the two passengers, remain under police investigation. The case is ongoing as the Knoxville community copes with the violent event on their streets.
