KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained an eighteen-year sentence against a man who shot at a police officer. Ryan Stephen Stiles, 40, was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Evading Arrest. Judge Bob McGee handed down the sentence and sent Stiles to the Tennessee Department of Correction.
In a plea hearing today, Assistant District Attorney Rachel Russell explained to the Court that on July 17, 2018, around 2:30 AM, Knoxville Police Department Officer Dean Ray was on patrol when he heard an alarm coming from the Time Out Deli at 1428 N. Central Street. Ofc. Ray saw Stiles walk out the front door of the closed business and jump in a vehicle, fleeing the scene. While Ofc. Ray was pursuing the vehicle, Stiles fired four shots at Ofc.
Ray and swerved into oncoming traffic nearly striking another officer before running on foot, dropping his hat. KPD crime lab technicians were able to recover DNA from both the vehicle and hat that matched Stiles.
“Thanks to the bravery of Ofc. Ray, this dangerous offender will be off the streets for many years,” said DA Charme Allen. Ofc. Ray was present in court today and approved the plea agreement.
