Knoxville authorities are asking for the public's help tracking down Kevin Fentris Hopper, who is wanted on two felony burglary warrants that were active as of June 23. The East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers "Wanted Wednesday" bulletin lists Hopper's birth date as Dec. 9, 1995, and describes him as about 5-foot-7 and 185 pounds. Officials say tipsters whose information leads to an arrest may be eligible for up to $2,000.
Hopper is charged with two felony burglary counts in Knoxville, and the bulletin says he frequents the downtown Knoxville area, according to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers. The post urges anyone with information to contact investigators instead of trying to confront the suspect themselves. Many of the same details and the organization's anonymous tipline are also listed on the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers website.
While the city has reported declines in property crime this year, the Knoxville Police Department said its first quarter data show a 35% reduction in burglary and breaking and entering through March. Even so, active warrants and unsolved cases continue to trigger public alerts like this one. Police credited targeted enforcement and prevention work with the decreases and encouraged residents to keep reporting suspicious activity. The department's first quarter crime report is available from the Knoxville Police Department.
How to submit tips
Anyone with information about Hopper's whereabouts can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-877-363-8847, texting ETTips to 738477, using the P3Tips app, or filling out the online form listed on the group's website, according to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers. The organization says tips that directly lead to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Crime Stoppers also reminds the public not to approach or attempt to detain suspects and to share information with law enforcement instead.
What the charges mean
Under Tennessee law, burglary generally means entering or remaining in a building without the owner's consent with the intent to commit a felony, theft or assault, as summarized in legal guides covering Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-402, per FindLaw. Penalties for felony burglary vary by degree and circumstances and can include prison time. The bulletin also notes that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
