What started as a routine truck repossession on a Knoxville street turned into a shooting last week, and now a 55-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge.
Knoxville police say James Dotson was arrested on Wednesday after officers obtained a warrant and took him into custody at his Hayworth Drive home. Dotson is accused of firing at a wrecker driver who had come to repossess his Toyota last Thursday. Investigators say the tow operator escaped without injury.
What the police say happened
According to the Knoxville Police Department, the trouble started around 6 p.m. when the wrecker operator arrived to take Dotson’s vehicle. Officers say Dotson walked out of his home and fired multiple rounds as the driver tried to hook up the truck, prompting the driver to bail out and get away. By the time officers arrived, Dotson had left the scene.
Detectives later served a warrant at the Hayworth Drive residence, where they say they recovered multiple firearms while taking Dotson into custody.
Charges and background
As reported by WVLT, Dotson has a prior felony reckless endangerment charge on his record. He now faces attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm with the intent to go armed, and being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon.
The wrecker driver was not hit and is expected to be a key witness as the case moves forward. Police say the Homicide Unit and Special Operations Squad are handling the follow-up investigation.
What comes next
According to the Knoxville Police Department, the investigation remains active, and charging documents will be filed with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office. The department’s statement did not include a court date or booking details, and officials have not released additional information.
