Knoxville police on Monday, Feb. 16, turned to the public for help finding Jair Jerrod Bailey, who is wanted on two active warrants: felony evading arrest - serious bodily injury - and contempt of court. Investigators say Bailey is about 6-foot-1 and 140 pounds, was born Nov. 16, 1992, and is known to frequent S. Hall of Fame Drive near Cal Johnson Park. Police say the warrants were active as of Feb. 16.
The Knoxville Police Department highlighted Bailey in its regular "Manhunt Monday" series on Facebook, laying out his description, charges, and the fact that he has two active warrants out of Knoxville. The post urges anyone who knows where he is to speak up and lists several ways to send in tips, including a mobile app and a text line, according to the Knoxville Police Department TN.
Under Tennessee law, evading arrest that results in serious bodily injury is treated as a more severe felony than a standard evading charge. The statute outlines how the offense is classified and when it becomes more serious, and the separate sentencing law spells out the potential punishment range. Together, they allow for significantly longer prison terms if a conviction involves serious injury to an officer, according to Justia, and Justia.
Where to send tips
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is offering cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest and emphasizes that tips can be submitted anonymously. Members of the public can call 877-363-8847, use the P3TIPS mobile app, or send a tip through the organization’s website, per East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
Safety and legal notes
Authorities stress that anyone who spots Bailey should not approach him. Instead, they ask that people call 9-1-1 and let officers handle the situation. The Knoxville police post also lists a dedicated text option, directing tipsters to send the keyword ETTips to 738477, and reminds the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, according to the Knoxville Police Department - TN.
