Short Pursuit Ends in Weapons Convictions

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Criminal Court Unit obtained convictions against an armed felon who fled from officers because he was wanted on Indiana charges.  Buddy Livesay, 36, was convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Felon, Evading Arrest, and Criminal Impersonation.  Judge Hector Sanchez revoked Livesay’s bond and set the case for sentencing on April 25 where Livesay faces eight to twelve years.

In a one-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Molly Martin and Sean Bright explained to the jury that on June 21, 2024, Ofc. Brett Cox with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle driven by Livesay on Edington Road in South Knoxville.  Livesay gave a false name, date of birth, and social security number to Ofc. Cox before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle.  After a short pursuit, Livesay wrecked his motorcycle near the Vestal Baptist Church.  Livesay then fled on foot and ran into the woods, tossing the vest he was wearing in the process.  Livesay was taken into custody, and when officers recovered the vest Livesay threw, they found two handguns in the vest.  Livesay stated that he ran because he had warrants for his arrest out of Indiana and that he is a convicted felon.  Livesay’s prior conviction from Indiana is for aggravated kidnapping.

“Luckily, no one was injured during this incident, a wanted suspect was apprehended, and two guns were taken off the streets,” said DA Allen.

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Felon is a Class B felony that carries a punishment between eight and twelve years.  At sentencing, prosecutors will argue that the sentence should be served in the Tennessee Department of Correction.  In addition to Livesay’s prior Indiana conviction for aggravated kidnapping, he was also wanted for methamphetamine trafficking charges.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Juanita Loope and Legal Secretary Michelle Carter 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.