KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — Approximately 8:04 p.m. Wednesday, Knoxville Police Department Officer Jimmy Wilson located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Value Inn located at 3207 Magnolia Avenue.
The Nissan Rogue had been carjacked from a female in Florida by a suspect fleeing from Miami-Dade Police officers. The male suspect fired several times at the Miami-Dade officers while fleeing from his mother’s residence. This afternoon the suspect arrived in Knoxville and rented a room for the night at the Value Inn.
After locating the stolen Nissan, Officer Wilson requested backup. Officer Wilson along with two additional KPD officers began looking for the suspect. The officers identified themselves and knocked on the door of room 316. The suspect quickly opened the door and fired one round striking officer Wilson in the chest.
The suspect then slammed the door and refused to come out. The officers immediately got Officer Wilson to a safe place and called for the Special Operation Squad (SOS).
The suspect surrendered at 8:46 p.m. Investigators are currently interviewing the suspect. The suspect will be charged with one count of Attempted First Degree Murder.
Additional local charges are pending. Multiple warrants are also on file from Florida.
The suspect has been identified as:
Matthew Pryor
DOB: 3-15-85
Miami, FL
Pryor was wanted for shooting at officers in Miami. He has an extensive criminal history, dating back to when he was 13 years old, including burglary, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest with violence.
Investigators continue to conduct interviews and review evidence recovered from the scene. Officer Wilson is resting at home with his family.
