KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A 30-year-old Knoxville man was injured in an early-morning shooting on Wednesday, May 6, as police say a suspect has now been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The shooting, which unfolded just after 3 a.m., has left residents of the Five Points community shaken as investigators continue to piece together what happened.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, officers were called to the 400 block of Taylor Homes Road after reports of gunfire in the area. When they arrived, they found Austin Purkey outside an apartment suffering from at least one gunshot wound to his lower body. Emergency medical personnel quickly provided life-saving care at the scene before transporting him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where officials confirmed his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
As officers secured the area, detectives began gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to determine what led to the shooting. Investigators worked through the early morning hours, carefully collecting details from the scene. Police say the situation appeared to develop quickly, and at the time, the motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear.
During the investigation, authorities identified 27-year-old Isaiah Hill of Alcoa as a suspect. Shortly after the shooting, law enforcement agencies tracked a vehicle believed to be connected to Hill traveling eastbound on Interstate 40. With coordinated efforts between the Sevier Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, officers conducted a traffic stop and took Hill into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Hill was transported to the Public Safety Complex in Knoxville, where he was questioned by detectives from the Homicide Unit. Officials say he is currently being held as investigators continue to review evidence and determine his role in the shooting. Formal charges are still pending as the case develops.
The incident has left many in the Five Points community concerned, as police continue to search for answers about what led to the violence. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, Purkey remains in medical care as the investigation continues, with officials emphasizing that the case is still active and ongoing.