The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:03 PM
Harriman Police Officer Allegedly Assaults Two Gang Members In Drunken Assault At Oak Ridge Bar
According to police records, 43-year-old Kenneth Humphrey — who currently serves as chief of police at the Harriman Police Department — was at Swifty's Bar and Grill, 119 S. Illinois Ave., when officers responded around 11 p.m. June 30. The two men, Joshua Bridges and Chance Mullins, told officers that Humphrey was "highly intoxicated" and began berating them for being gang members because they were wearing "biker" clothing.
The bar's owner, Matt Swifty, did not see the assault but did tell officers Humphrey was intoxicated and that he personally escorted Humphrey out of the bar.
In the parking lot, Bridges claimed the chief tried to fight him, but he refused. That's when Humphrey allegedly grabbed Bridges by the neck, and the officer noted red skin and fresh bruising on the victim's left collar bone and neck that were consistent with that type of assault.
Bridges said he knew who Humphrey was because he flashed his badge and identification inside the bar, saying he was the chief of police at HPD.
Humphrey told local news outlets on Monday that the incident took place, and referred all questions to his lawyer. He's been charged with one count of misdemeanor assault.
