East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers has put a Knoxville-area man on its latest "Fugitive Friday" radar, naming Matthew Ayden Wood as wanted on a theft-of-firearm charge tied to a May incident on Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville. The bulletin lists Wood's date of birth as July 16, 2001, his last-known address as Tempura Drive in Oak Ridge, and notes that warrants in the case were active as of Thursday.
According to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, Wood is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 150 pounds, and is wanted in connection with the May theft. The post lists the University of Tennessee Police Department and the Oak Ridge Police Department among the agencies associated with the notice.
Legal context
Under Tennessee law, theft of a firearm is treated as an elevated theft offense and is graded under Tennessee Code § 39-14-105. The statute allows for felony classifications and, in some circumstances, mandatory minimum penalties that depend on the weapon's value and other details of the case. For the full statute text and grading breakdown, see Justia.
Who’s investigating
The Crime Stoppers flyer names UTPD and Oak Ridge police as agencies tied to the alert. At the same time, crimes that occur on non-campus property such as Cumberland Avenue are typically handled by the Knoxville Police Department. The university's safety page explains that Knoxville police have primary responsibility for non-campus property in areas adjacent to campus. See University of Tennessee Police Department information on jurisdiction.
How to submit tips
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers says tips remain anonymous and can be submitted through its web tip form, the P3Tips mobile app, by texting "ETTIPS" to 738477, or by calling the hotline. Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for up to $2,000. The organization's wanted page outlines its contact options and reward policy. Per East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, tipsters can stay anonymous while providing information.
Safety note
Authorities generally advise the public not to confront a suspected fugitive and to call 911 if there is an immediate threat, or the police non-emergency line for routine reports. The City of Knoxville's public guidance directs residents to call 911 when a situation appears dangerous and to use non-emergency contacts for less urgent information. See City of Knoxville for general guidance.
If you have information about Wood's whereabouts, Crime Stoppers asks that you submit an anonymous tip through the P3Tips app, the online form, by calling 877-363-8847, or by texting ETTIPS to 738477. Tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward, though rewards are paid only for tips submitted directly to East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
