A Knoxville man, 26-year-old Tyshawn Cook, has been convicted of a series of violent crimes, including carjacking, kidnapping, and assault, according to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office. WVLT reported that on June 25, 2022, Cook approached a woman who was in her vehicle at an apartment complex in the Fort Sanders area and subsequently forced her into the passenger seat, drove her to several ATMs demanding money, and then assaulted her before stealing her car.

The breakthrough in the investigation came when a DNA match linked Cook to evidence found in the victim's vehicle, allowing for her subsequent identification of him as her attacker; the case featured the use of DNA evidence that provided the link needed to identify this offender and hold him accountable, said District Attorney Charme Allen. Cook was also recognized as a member of a criminal gang, facing a potential sentencing that ranges from 8 to 12 years in prison for his conviction on charges of carjacking, aggravated kidnapping, robbery, and sexual battery, with 991 The Sports Animal reporting that the sentencing is scheduled for March 20.

A social media post from District Attorney General Charme Allen detailed the trial, where Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Hill and Debbie Malone presented evidence over three days, revealing that after Cook released the victim, he stole her car, which Cook, who had six prior felony convictions, remained unrecognized until DNA connected him to the crime scene. Carjacking and aggravated kidnapping, both Class B felonies, carry significant penalties, including the possibility of consecutive sentences at the upcoming hearing.