The Knoxville Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards is conducting an investigation into an arrest and use of force that happened on Thursday night in the 2600 block of Woodbine Avenue.

Based on a preliminary review of the situation, the following occurred.

At just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, a Knoxville Police officer stopped a Nissan Altima in the 2600 block of Woodbine Avenue for failing to come to a complete stop when leaving the Good Stop gas station and a possible window tint violation.

After conducting an initial investigation and back-up officers arrived at the scene, the driver, identified as 18-year-old Zyquise Matthew, was asked to step out of the car. The driver did not immediately comply with those commands, was removed from the car by officers and eventually cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol cruiser.

While officers were engaged with Matthew, 46-year-old Sumer Fletcher arrived on scene, exited her vehicle and approached officers. The situation escalated and Fletcher was detained following a use of force by on-scene officers.

Matthew was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and simple possession among other charges. Fletcher, who was transported to the UT Medical Center for medical evaluation and has since been released, was charged with assault on a first responder and disorderly conduct.

As required by policy following an instance of use of force, a supervisor responded to the scene to conduct a preliminary on-scene review of the situation. Officers reported to the Lieutenant on scene that they used force to effect the arrest.

One officer has been placed on administrative reassignment with his police powers suspended.

The use of force review process and OPS investigation remain ongoing and in the early stages.