(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WVLT) An out-of-town firefighter is the suspect in an assault against an off-duty Knoxville officer that prompted an internal investigation by the Knoxville Police Department, according to a police report obtained by WVLT News.
The report listed Tyson Donaldson as the suspect and Zackery Herman as the off-duty officer. Donaldson, who is from Murfreesboro, said he was a firefighter in Knoxville for a conference.
According to the report, an on-duty KPD officer was patrolling along Gay Street around 1 a.m. Thursday when they saw a large group yelling back-and-forth.
“As I neared the group, I observed Tyson Donaldson and Zackery Herman arguing back and forth as their parties attempted to separate the two,” the report said. “On approach, I witnessed Donaldson reach over his group and strike Herman in the head.”
While Donaldson got physical first, the report said he told the officer Herman had provoked him outside of DiCarlo’s Pizza.
“Donaldson stated his group was in an altercation with Herman and his friends prior at the hotel bar. Donaldson said he left the hotel for Clancy’s pub on Gay St.,” the report said. “When he saw Herman again… Donaldson stated he was standing next to a woman on the sidewalk when Herman leaned in toward him saying ‘I will f— you up.’”
From there, the report said, the fight broke out and Donaldson hit Herman. While the officer said they were able to speak to Donaldson, they also said they had trouble hearing from Herman.
“I made contact with Herman, who was reluctant to give me his side of the story,” the report said. “Herman became increasingly angry, and I was not able to conclude his testimony.”
Knoxville police first broke the news about the assault Thursday afternoon, saying a man had attacked an off-duty KPD officer downtown after a fight broke out. KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland said the department’s Office of Professional Standards was looking into the assault to find out exactly what happened.
Donaldson was charged with assault.
