Driver who Ran from Police Facing Thirty-Year Sentence

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained multiple convictions against a felon who ran from police, wrecked his car, and was found in possession of drugs and a stolen gun.  Thomas Eugene Davis, 47, pled guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine and Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Evading Arrest, Reckless Endangerment, Aggravated Burglary, Vandalism, and Theft.  The parties were set to begin trial today, but they announced to Judge Scott Green that Davis would plead guilty to all charges without an agreement as to the sentence.  Judge Green set the case for sentencing on October 3 where Davis faces a minimum of thirty years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald explained to the Court that on May 7, 2023, Knoxville Police Department Officer Jasmine Reed responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence off Sevierville Pike in South Knoxville.  Ofc. Reed learned that Davis had vandalized the victim’s car during an altercation before leaving the scene.  Ofc. Reed found Davis’ vehicle at the nearby Kenjo and attempted to stop the vehicle when Davis began driving erratically through the parking lot, nearly striking another motorist and ultimately crashing into a storage building.  Davis then tried to run on foot before being apprehended by Ofc. Reed.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a stolen handgun, a variety of drugs, and over two thousand dollars in cash.  Davis had previously broken into the same residence, stolen property, and pawned stolen goods.

“Multi-convicted felons can expect to receive lengthy sentences from this office,” said DA Allen.

Davis has five prior felony convictions for robbery, theft, and cocaine trafficking offenses.  Based on his criminal history, Davis is facing twelve to twenty years each on the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, and Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine charges, ten to fifteen years on the Aggravated Burglary charge, and eight to twelve years on the Vandalism and Reckless Endangerment charges.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.