A man accused of robbing Cherokee Trading Post was arrested about 10:40 a.m. Friday, roughly 80 minutes after police were called to the store on Winfield Dunn Parkway. Police said the suspect fled on foot and was later found riding an e-bike.
The Mountain Press identified the suspect as 61-year-old Walter F. Jeffries of Sevierville and reported that the robbery was reported around 9:20 a.m. at the store, located at 1590 Winfield Dunn Parkway. The Sevierville Police Department said the suspect demanded money from an employee and left with an undisclosed amount. No injuries were reported. The Mountain Press account is available here.
The Mountain Press reported that Jeffries changed clothes nearby and then rode north on an e-bike. Police later recovered clothing apparently worn during the robbery, along with an airsoft pistol, according to the department’s Facebook statement.
How Investigators Located the Suspect
Police used a drone during the search, and Scenic Helicopter Tours provided a helicopter to assist, The Mountain Press reported. The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office also helped Sevierville police.
What Is Known About the Police Drone Team
The Sevierville Police Department lists a Drone Team among its specialized teams under the Special Operations umbrella, according to the city’s About Us page. The information cited here does not establish when drone flights are permitted or how footage is retained.
Officers interviewed witnesses and reviewed video recordings from nearby businesses, the newspaper reported. Police located Jeffries and arrested him without incident at about 10:40 a.m., ending a search that began after the 9:20 a.m. call.
Chief Credits Officers and Community Tips
Sevierville Police Chief Joseph Manning praised the response, saying, “Our officers did a fantastic job utilizing numerous resources, including a drone, interviewing witnesses, and viewing multiple video recordings from nearby businesses, to identify, track, and arrest this person.” He also thanked citizens and businesses for information that helped officers, according to WATE.
Jeffries was charged with aggravated robbery and theft over $1,000, according to the department. The Mountain Press reported that he was being held at the Sevier County Jail Friday afternoon. As with any pending case, all persons are considered innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
