KPD report shows crime down in downtown, even after stabbing in Krutch Park

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Saturday, the Knoxville Police Department responded to a man who was stabbed in the neck at Krutch Park near Market Square. KPD said they still have not identified a suspect.

A man was shot to death in the same park in December 2023. KPD has identified some persons of interest but has not yet identified those responsible.

“Despite an extensive investigation, no suspects have been arrested or charged in connection with this shooting,” KPD Communications Officer Scott Erland said in an email. “The shooting victim has since been released from the hospital. He wasn't sure if he wanted to press charges.”

WBIR spoke with several business owners in Market Square, many of whom did not know the stabbings took place just steps from their businesses. They did not wish to speak on camera but said the incident was disturbing and disturbing.

Overall, since 2022, crime has shown a downward trend, according to a report from the KPD Crime Analysis Unit.

“There were 540 incidents reported in the downtown area between January 1 and June 2, 2022,” Erland said in an email. “This includes all types of incident reports, from shoplifting to death investigations. This number fell to 421 during the same period in 2023 and to 413 in 2024.”

Most of the crimes reported involved property theft, including car theft and car burglary.

“Year-to-date, compared to 2023, motor vehicle thefts are down from 13 to 3, and auto burglary reports are down from 24 to 14,” Erland said. “All assault reports are down three incidents total, drug offenses are down 26 to 20 and robberies are down 5 to 1.”