Knoxville Man Arrested for Threatening Local Judge

Silhouette in a courtroom representing legal tension

News Summary

Patrick Harris, a 32-year-old Knoxville resident, was arrested after making violent threats against Judge Steven Sword during a 911 call. This incident follows a previous similar threat made by Harris in February. Authorities have charged him with a Class E felony for retaliation against a public official, highlighting the seriousness of such threats. The investigation is ongoing as the community watches closely.

Knoxville Man Arrested for Threatening Local Judge

In a rather shocking incident, a 32-year-old man from Knoxville has found himself in hot water after threatening a local judge during a 911 call. Patrick Harris was taken into custody by detectives from the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) following some rather alarming phone conversations that raised serious red flags.

A Troubling Phone Call

The situation boiled over on March 17 when Harris dialed 911 and made a verbal threat of violence against Judge Steven Sword. During this call, he allegedly used some pretty colorful language, even saying he would “blow his g f face off.” It seems the call was more about Harris airing out his frustrations with a lot of profanity flying rather than any real emergency.

A History of Threats

This wasn’t Harris’s first run-in with the law regarding Judge Sword, either. Detectives uncovered that he had made a similar threatening call back on February 23. That time, he reportedly told the dispatcher that he would “blow Judge Sword’s head off if he did not stop harassing him.” Those were some serious threats, making this case look even more intricate.

The Arresting Details

Authorities were not taking these threats lightly. They approached Harris after both phone calls, where he reportedly appeared cooperative, even if a little deceptive. When questioned about the calls, he initially denied making any 911 calls in February, claiming his phone had died when police requested it. Talk about a twist!

In a curious turn of events, Harris later provided his phone for the police to check his call history but claimed he could not remember his password. Interestingly enough, his phone was described as a “911 only ‘Wi-Fi phone,’” adding another layer of confusion to the situation.

Legal Consequences

Due to his behavior, Harris has been hit with several charges. He faces a Class E felony charge for retaliation against a public official, as well as a charge for making prohibited 911 calls in non-emergency situations. It’s important to remember that making threats against public officials is taken very seriously, and these charges reflect that commitment to safety and justice.

Implications for Judge Sword

Judge Steven Sword isn’t just any judge; he has been part of the Sixth Judicial District since 2011 and is currently awaiting confirmation for a new role on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division. This incident highlights the pressures faced by public officials and the lengths some individuals might go when frustrated by the legal system.

Continued Investigation

The matter is still under investigation, and it’s a poignant reminder of the many challenges law enforcement faces in responding to threats against public figures. As the legal proceedings continue, the community will be keeping a close eye on how things unfold. After all, this type of behavior raises many questions about public safety and accountability.

As this story develops, it will be fascinating to see how authorities handle the case and what further details come to light regarding Harris’s motives. For now, Knoxville residents can rest assured that law enforcement is taking the necessary steps to address alarming behavior and ensure safety in their community.