Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

Upon arrival, Officers located two adult male victims, both employees of IHOP, outside of the restaurant. Both men had sustained knife wounds and were transported to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. While their injuries appeared severe, they were not initially believed to be life-threatening.

Further investigation revealed that the victims had been stabbed during an altercation with another individual, identified as Aaron E. Hopson, who then fled the scene before police arrived. At least one of the victims was acquainted with Mr. Hopson prior to this incident.

A warrant was obtained, charging Mr. Hopson with two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. On June 19, 2022, at approximately 2:00 AM, Mr. Hopson was located at his residence in Sullivan County, just outside of the city limits of Kingsport. Following a brief stand-off, he was taken into custody.

Mr. Hopson was transported to the Kingsport City Jail, where as of the time of this release, he remains confined, pending arraignment.

This appears to have been an isolated incident, contained to the people involved, and is not believed to have posed a danger to the general public. At the time of this release, an update on the condition of the two victims was not available. Their names will not be released.

The associated investigation remains active and ongoing by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. As such, no further details can or will be shared at this time.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton