Knoxville Police urging caution after reported assault in Fort Sanders area

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Police Department is reminding people to never get into a vehicle with “an unknown individual” after a reported assault in the Fort Sanders neighborhood.

Around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 22, KPD officers met with a 22-year-old woman who said she was assaulted by a man in the Fort Sanders area. The victim told police she was walking back to her apartment when a man pulled up, said he was an Uber driver just getting off work and offered her a free ride.

She went on to say that once inside the car, the man assaulted her, pushed her out of the vehicle, and left. KPD shared that based on the victim’s description the man “was possibly of Middle Eastern descent with a heavier build and driving a white SUV of unknown make.”

“The Knoxville Police Department strongly encourages residents and visitors to never get in a vehicle with an unknown individual for any reason. If you have requested a rideshare, always verify the driver information before getting in the car.”

Knoxville Police Department

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KPD’s Special Crimes Unit is investigating and asking anyone with information to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 . Anyone with a similar experience is urged to contact the Special Crimes Unit at 865-215-6810 .

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