Following an investigation led by KPD Violent Crimes Unit detectives, 32-year-old Patrick Harris, of Knoxville, has been arrested and charged for making a threat directed at a Knox County Criminal Court Judge.

Harris was charged with retaliation for past action, a class E felony, and prohibited 911 calls in non-emergency situations following an investigation into a 9-1-1 call that Harris made on the evening of Monday, March 17. During that call, it is alleged that Harris made a verbal threat of violence against Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steven Sword.

Detectives also determined that Harris called 9-1-1 and made a similar threat directed at Judge Sword on February 23, 2025.

Harris was taken into custody by Knoxville Police Department officers on Tuesday afternoon on W. Scott Avenue.