Suspect in Stabbing Arrested After Foot Chase

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) -- Police arrested a man in connection with a stabbing attack after a brief foot chase.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, officers responded to a reported stabbing at the Broadway Shopping Center where they found a victim with a stab wound to his torso and a cut on his hand.

Witnesses reported seeing an argument between four people. Two people were apparently stabbed by the male suspect who also struck a female during the incident, reports the News Sentinel.

One of the male victims was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center by an ambulance.

The suspect, 54-year-old homeless man Chicko Jett, was captured behind the shopping center within minutes and charged with aggravated assault.

Jett is charged with aggravated assault, attempted aggravated assault, evading arrest, public intoxication, violation of probation and failure to appear. He is being held with bail set at $83,500."

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Mayor Rogero Honored with Energy Leadership Award

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) -- Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero was honored on Thursday with an Energy Leadership Award for her efforts to institute and advance energy efficiency.

Mayor Rogero was presented with the Public Service Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes the mayor's efforts in implementing policies and programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life and environmental attractiveness of Knoxville, a city news release stated.

"I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the City of Knoxville because it is truly a team effort to implement and advance sustainable and energy-efficient practices," Mayor Rogero said in a statement.

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Consumer Affairs Warns of AC Repair Scams

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- As summer approaches and temperatures continue to rise, Tennesseans are being warned to look out for scam artists posing as air conditioning repair technicians.

The Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division says scammers tend to use the summer period to take advantage of consumers by charging them for unnecessary repair work on air conditioning units.

The division has provided the following tips to help consumers avoid falling victim to scams:

• Always research the company/contractor before agreeing to have work performed.   

• Ensure the company or contractor lists a physical address.

• Be wary of advertisements with quoted prices that seem too good to be true.

• Get multiple quotes for repairs.

• Never pay money upfront.

• Ask for written statements.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Knoxville-Based Charity Ranked America's Second Worst

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) -- A Knoxville-based charity was ranked second on a list of America's worst charities.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Cancer Fund of America allocates less than two cents out of every dollar raised to direct aid for patients and families. The charity reportedly provides care packages containing toiletries and home goods, while those in charge have apparently made millions of dollars for themselves.

In the past six years, the Cancer Fund of America has filed tax returns claiming approximately $34 million in profits, says the Tampa Bay Times, but just $46,000 has gone to cancer patients and their families.

The Tampa Bay Times report, based on collaborative work with the Center for Investigative Reporting, determined that the family in control of the Cancer Fund of America has fudged tax filings, claiming large charitable donations that are disputed by those who allegedly received them.

The newspaper further reports that the Cancer Fund used profits to spin off five additional charities. Those charities pay executive salaries to almost a dozen family relatives.

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Knoxville Man Arrested for Rape and Sexual Battery

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) -- The Knox County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man charged with rape and sexual battery early Thursday morning.

Deputies arrested 48-year-old Ricky Leroy Beeler without incident just after midnight at his home on Yarnell Road in West Knox County.

The arrest followed an investigation conducted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Family Crisis Unit that led to a grand jury indictment.

The Sheriff’s Office says that information on the victim is confidential, and have released few details about the nature of Beeler’s alleged crime.

Beeler has been charged with rape, statutory rape by an authority figure, and sexual battery by an authority figure. He is being held in the Knox County Sheriff’s Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio