What was supposed to be a typical Saturday night near a downtown Knoxville bar turned into a gunpoint robbery scene, and now police are asking the public to help identify the man they say is responsible.
Knoxville police released a surveillance photo after multiple people were robbed at gunpoint last Saturday near a Washington Avenue bar. Investigators say victims were threatened with a firearm and the suspect took off on foot toward Winona Street. No arrests have been announced, and detectives are hoping the images will shake loose tips that move the case forward.
Suspect photo released
According to WATE 6 On Your Side, the robberies unfolded at Ricky's Bar. Knoxville police released surveillance images showing a man described as a Black male with dreadlocks, and the station reports that video captures the suspect running toward Winona Street after the incident.
Where it happened
Ricky's Bar lists its address as 1520 Washington Ave on its website, placing the incident on a busy stretch of Washington Avenue near downtown. Police and local coverage have identified the bar as the focal point of the July weekend robberies.
How to help
Officials are urging anyone with information to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 877-363-8847, submit a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app, or use the Crime Stoppers website to leave an anonymous tip. The organization notes that tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Investigators are also asking residents and nearby businesses to review any doorbell or security camera footage for images that could help identify the man in the photo.
Robbery trends
The Knoxville Police Department's year-end summary reports that robbery totals fell by roughly 27% from 2024 to 2025. Even with that drop, officials say violent-crime investigations remain a priority for detectives. The department's Crime Analysis Unit report provides the recent totals and additional context on citywide crime trends.
What police are asking
Detectives want to hear from anyone who recognizes the person in the released images or who has video from the Washington Avenue and Winona Street area around the time of the incident. Tips can be shared through Crime Stoppers or directly with Knoxville police.
Releasing surveillance stills is part of the department's strategy to quickly identify suspects and prevent further incidents, according to WATE 6 On Your Side.
