In an exemplary display of interagency cooperation, Sévier County Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy Jonette Lieurance, Corporal Alex Watts, and the Sevierville Police Department captured felony suspect Justin Moritz after a coordinated effort. As reported on the Sevier County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the arrest took place late on February 26, around 11:15 PM, when Moritz, clothed in a ski mask, had evaded law enforcement by retreating into the woods behind a business location on Collier Drive.
This coordinated effort unfolded as Moritz – out on bond for felony theft and a probation violation for some eight days – found his freedom short-lived due to the persistent pursuit by the officers and their well-trained K-9 Fellin. The Sevierville Police Department took charge, levying an aggravated burglary charge against Moritz, who was promptly apprehended with assistance from the sheriff's office K-9 unit, which included a comprehensive search and successful tracking by K-9 Fellin, who, with its handlers, did not relent until their suspect was in custody. "Great job Corporal Watts and K-9 Team Lieurance and Fellin and the Sevierville Police Department!" cheered the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, applauding the successful capture.
Echoing the Sheriff's Office's statement that such outcomes are "another great example of the dedication and teamwork between our Law Enforcement partners and the community we serve."
