On Friday, East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers used its weekly "Fugitive Friday" spotlight to name Justin Alan Stines as wanted on a felony theft charge tied to an alleged vehicle theft. The notice lists Stines as about 6 feet 1 inch tall and 215 pounds, with a birth date of May 12, 1988. Crime Stoppers says he is known to travel between East Tennessee and North Carolina, and investigators are looking for information on where he might be.
In the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers post, the organization reiterates that Stines is wanted for felony theft related to a vehicle theft and notes that tips can be submitted anonymously. The notice mentions two last-known locations in the East Tennessee area and includes a physical description aimed at helping the public recognize him. The post does not announce any arrest.
Where this fits locally
Vehicle thefts remain a priority for local law enforcement, even as some recent numbers show improvement. According to the Knoxville Police Department, preliminary 2024 figures show a double-digit drop in motor vehicle theft reports. At the same time, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported nationwide declines in vehicle theft through the first half of 2025, a reminder that trends can vary by region even as detectives keep auto theft on their radar.
How to report tips and stay safe
The East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers website outlines several anonymous tip options, including a hotline (877-363-8847), a web form, and the P3Tips mobile app, and notes that tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 if their information leads to an arrest. Tips can also be submitted by texting the keyword "ETTips" to 738477. Authorities urge the public not to approach anyone they believe is armed and to call 911 if there is an immediate threat.
