Elizabethton Police Department

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Corporal Ryan Manuel was recently recognized by receiving the Life Saving Award from the Elizabethton Police Department. This award stems from his off-duty actions of rendering first aid to a person in cardiac arrest at Planet Fitness in Elizabethton.

On April 27, 2026, when Corporal Manuel arrived to Planet Fitness for his morning workout, he was alerted by bystanders to a person they had just witnessed collapse on a treadmill. Manuel acted immediately by assuming control of the scene, assessing the patient, and instructing a bystander to retrieve the gym's public access Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Upon finding the patient unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing, he began CPR and applied the AED. On-duty EPD officers arrived to assist and after multiple shocks from the AED and quality CPR, the patient had regained a pulse upon EMS arrival. EMS began advanced care and transported the patient to Sycamore Shoals Hospital for continued emergency treatment. Officers later learned that the patient was breathing and regained consciousness at the hospital.

In summary of the award nomination from EPD Sergeant Lance Peters, Investigator Manuals' rapid response, decisive actions, and leadership were critical in significantly improving the patients' chances of survival. His application of the AED, and administration of high-quality CPR during the most crucial moments of cardiac arrest was instrumental in the successful resuscitation of the patient. It is believed that the patients' survival is directly attributed to Corporal Ryan Manuels' off-duty actions on this date.

Jason Shaw

05/26/2026

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Female suspect in theft at Wal-Mart.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Does anybody recognize this male suspect? He was possibly involved in a Burglary at Universal Storage Solutions. Any credible tips are greatly appreciated.

05/15/2026

Suspects have been identified. Thank you!!

We are asking for your help in identifying possible Shoplifting suspects at Bealls. Any credible tips are appreciated.

05/15/2026

During the May 14th, 2026, City Council meeting, a contract with Collins Auction Company located at 112 Armed Forces Drive Elizabethton was accepted to conduct an on-line public auction. There is a total of 65 fi****ms that were considered contraband and forfeited by an order through Cater County Circuit Court.

Please see Collins & Co website here https://www.collinsandcompany.info/current-upcoming-auctions and/or follow and watch Collins & Co other social media sites for their announcement and details of this auction. To be in compliance with the statue, the on-line auction will not end until at least 30 days from the date of this notification.

-Jason Shaw

05/08/2026

On March 25,2026, while off duty, Officer Hayden Holtsclaw was leaving the Joe O’Brien baseball field, traveling South on Holly Lane toward West Elk. As he got to West Elk Avenue, he noticed smoke billowing from the buildings on the other side of the street (364 West Elk Avenue). Officer Holtsclaw crossed West Elk Avenue and observed active flames at the rear of the structures, engulfing the area of the external stairs. Without any protective gear, Holtsclaw entered the adjacent building (366 West Elk) from the rear near the area of the fire and discovered several people inside. He alerted them to the fire and directed them to evacuate the building. He checked the upstairs of the building for additional occupants as the smoke was beginning to fill the building. Officer Holtsclaw’s selfless actions in evacuating the building prevented a potential tragedy and reflect his dedication to the service of others. Upon recommendation from the police department’s award committee, Chief Shaw awarded Officer Holtsclaw the departments’ Medal of Distinguished Service for his actions in this incident.

05/01/2026

The Elizabethton Police Department welcomes all who are participating in the 4k Race- May the Fourth be With You on Monday, May 4th! This race starts at 6:30 and ends at 9:00p. The following roads/intersections will be affected:
Third Street
South Riverside Drive
Johnson Ave
Oak Street
Pete Hampton Drive
Hattie Ave
South Sycamore Street

There will also be more than usual traffic in the area of Covered Bridge Park, Elk Avenue, and the Tweetsie Trail. Please use an abundance of caution!

04/23/2026

THIS SATURDAY!!

The Elizabethton Police Department welcomes those participating in the Music and Miles Half Marathon. We ask that motorist in Elizabethton near the race route and in the Downtown area use extra care and caution and watch for City Police officers, and volunteers, that will be out at intersections along the race route to ensure safety of the race participants. This 13.1 mile foot race starts and finishes at the Elizabethton High School and stretches across town from the high school to Hatcher Lane and back along the Tweetsie Trail to Mary Patton Highway. Please use caution at all intersections along the Tweetsie Trail and streets adjacent to TA Dugger and the Elizabethton High School. In addition to the Tweetsie Trail, the racecourse is also on some open streets, so we ask for runners to be alert for vehicles in these areas and move to the sidewalk or left of the street in the neighborhood streets around TA Dugger, and the Elizabethton High School.