KNOX COUNTY, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A Powell man is facing a lengthy list of charges after authorities say he drove a pickup truck into a Knox County fitness center, causing more than $25,000 in damage before leaving the scene.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday to a shopping plaza on Clinton Highway after receiving reports of a hit-and-run crash.
When deputies arrived, they found extensive damage to the front entrance of EverMore Faith and Fitness and surrounding property.
Investigators said a witness reported seeing a dark-colored pickup truck enter the parking lot at a high rate of speed, drive around the rear of the shopping center, and crash into the building.
About an hour later, deputies located a pickup truck matching the description behind a business at 7135 Clinton Highway. Authorities said the vehicle had damage consistent with the crash.
The driver, identified as Timothy Renda, 40, of Powell, was taken into custody.
According to arrest records, Renda faces numerous charges, including:
- Reckless driving
- Reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon
- Two counts of aggravated assault
- DUI, first offense
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage
- Driving on a suspended license
- Tampering with evidence
- Simple possession
- Prohibited weapons possession involving knuckles
- Financial responsibility law violations
- Improper vehicle registration
- Implied consent violation
Court warrants obtained by WVLT state that Renda allegedly performed burnouts and donuts in the shopping center parking lot before the crash. Investigators also allege he nearly struck a member of the plaza’s cleaning crew with the truck and fired a flare gun in the employee’s direction.
Deputies reported detecting the odor of alcohol and marijuana on Renda during the investigation.
Authorities also said the truck involved was uninsured and displayed an expired registration. According to warrants, Renda’s driver’s license has been suspended 25 times since 2004.
Following the incident, EverMore Athletics announced on social media that the gym would remain closed until further notice while damage is assessed and repairs are made.
The investigation remains ongoing.
