Kingston Man Arrested Following Reported Gunfire, Police Pursuit

KINGSTON, Tenn. — A Kingston man faces multiple charges after police say he fired a gun, fled from an officer and later pointed a pistol at the officer Saturday night.

According to the Kingston Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of 230 North Third Street at approximately 10:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, following a report of shots being fired.

A few minutes later, an officer reportedly saw a two-door orange vehicle traveling east on East Race Street while loudly revving its engine. Police said the vehicle later returned westbound toward an officer positioned in a parking lot.

The officer then heard a loud bang and saw a flash of light that appeared consistent with a firearm being discharged, according to the department.

Police said the officer attempted to stop the vehicle and pursued it to the Scottish Arms Apartments at 1000 James Ferry Road. After leaving the vehicle, the driver allegedly approached the officer and pointed a small black pistol at him.

The officer drew his service weapon and gave verbal commands, police said. The man then went inside Apartment D-68 before returning to the porch with a gun in his hand and yelling at officers.

Kingston police officers and Roane County sheriff’s deputies secured the area and contacted the man by telephone. During several minutes of negotiations, the man reportedly told officers he was hearing voices.

Police eventually persuaded him to put down the weapon and walk toward officers. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities identified the man as 41-year-old Leroy Thornton III of Kingston. He was transported to the Roane County Detention Facility and charged with reckless endangerment, evading arrest and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Officers recovered the pistol involved in the confrontation, along with three additional pistols and two rifles, according to the department.

Kingston police thanked the Roane County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance. The incident remains under investigation, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.