A Knoxville police officer is facing charges and an internal investigation after reportedly shoplifting while on duty, according to local authorities. Officer Tyler Wheeler, a member of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) since September 2023, is accused of stealing multiple pouches of Kratom valued at approximately $30 each from a convenience store on Kingston Pike.
Following a report made on Monday, an internal review including security footage found that Wheeler had gone behind the counter and concealed the items in his pocket before leaving the premise. Disclosed by WVLT, property crimes detectives took over the case, leading to Wheeler being issued a misdemeanor citation for theft after a consultation with the Knox County District Attorney's Office.
Wheeler has been removed from his patrol duties and placed on administrative reassignment, with his police powers being suspended. In a statement obtained by WBIR, KPD Chief of Police Paul Noel condemned Wheeler's conduct, asserting, "Officer Wheeler’s actions completely disgrace his oath of office and tarnish the reputation of the many men and women of the KPD who serve with integrity. We demand accountability at all levels of our organization and expect our officers to hold themselves to a higher standard." Noel specified that such actions "fell woefully short of those expectations and will not be tolerated."
Alongside the criminal charge, an internal investigation has been initiated by KPD's Office of Professional Standards to further examine Wheeler's misconduct. Reported by WATE, KPD stated that an on-duty West District Lieutenant had conducted the preliminary investigation after the initial complaint about the shoplifting was filed. The incident, which took place on the night of June 7th, 2025, raises concerns about officer integrity within the department, prompted by Wheeler's recent assignment to the West District at the time of the transgression.
