East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is putting extra heat on a Knoxville woman they say is wanted in a stolen car case, turning their latest "Wanted Wednesday" spotlight on 44-year-old Deanie Marie Bishop.
The bulletin lists Bishop's date of birth as August 14, 1979, and describes her as about 5 feet 4 inches tall and roughly 165 pounds. She is wanted on a felony theft warrant tied to an allegedly stolen vehicle, and the group says the warrants were active as of April 13.
According to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, Bishop's last known address is on Riverside Drive in Knoxville. Tipsters are urged to share any information through the P3Tips mobile app, by calling 877-363-8847, or by texting "ETTips" to 738477. Those who help locate her could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
How To Submit Tips
Per the City of Knoxville, East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips through its online form and the P3Tips mobile app. The city also lists a local Crime Stoppers contact line at 865-215-7165. Tipsters who provide information that leads to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward under the program, so there is a little extra incentive to speak up.
Why This Matters
Auto theft has kept Knoxville-area law enforcement busy, and stolen-vehicle cases continue to be a recurring theme. The Knoxville Police Department has publicly reported multiple arrests tied to stolen cars in recent years, including suspects who allegedly tried to flee in hot vehicles before being caught.
Police statements and Crime Stoppers alerts frequently stress that members of the public should not try to confront or detain anyone they believe may be wanted. Instead, they urge people to contact law enforcement or submit a tip if they see something that might help an investigation.
Legal Note
Tennessee's theft laws cover property crimes that include motor vehicles. Under Tennessee Code Annotated §39-14-103, the state defines theft and related offenses, according to Justia. Penalties depend on the value of the property and other circumstances. As outlined by FindLaw, higher-value thefts can be charged as felonies, which may bring significant prison time and fines if a suspect is convicted.
If you know where Bishop might be, Crime Stoppers asks that you use the channels listed in its bulletin, or contact local police in an emergency. According to both East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers and the City of Knoxville, tips can be provided anonymously and may qualify for a reward if they directly lead to an arrest.
