Elizabethton Police Department

PSA:

We would like to make the public aware of some of the most common fraud schemes that are showing up in our community. Along with the below scams, please remember that our Department, along with any government agency, will not call and ask for money or tell you about a warrant you have. Some of the most common scams are below:

Publishers Clearing House: People calling from unknown numbers stating that they are with publishers clearing house or a similar organization. Often, they will say you have won a large lump sum of money; however, they will ask you to send them money for a processing fee to release the funds. This, and other calls like it, are scams.

Cryptocurrency: Anyone who calls with an investment scheme or anything involving cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency ATMs is likely a scam.

Gift Cards: Anyone who calls and states there are financial problems for you to go purchase gift cards and give them the card number over the phone are scams. Do not in any circumstance purchase a gift card and give people the number over the phone- these are scams.

Romance: Online or over the phone dating incidents. If you are talking to someone over the phone and are in a “relationship” with them but have never met them, if they ask you for money this is likely a scam. Many people claim to be looking for a relationship but will never meet in person and will request money for personal issues. Further, if someone you do not know contacts you over social media or over the phone and says they will pay you if you just talk to them, do not accept money from them as this is a scam as well.

Corporal Ryan Manuel was recently recognized by receiving the Life Saving Award from the Elizabethton Police Department. This award stems from his off-duty actions of rendering first aid to a person in cardiac arrest at Planet Fitness in Elizabethton.

On April 27, 2026, when Corporal Manuel arrived to Planet Fitness for his morning workout, he was alerted by bystanders to a person they had just witnessed collapse on a treadmill. Manuel acted immediately by assuming control of the scene, assessing the patient, and instructing a bystander to retrieve the gym's public access Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Upon finding the patient unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing, he began CPR and applied the AED. On-duty EPD officers arrived to assist and after multiple shocks from the AED and quality CPR, the patient had regained a pulse upon EMS arrival. EMS began advanced care and transported the patient to Sycamore Shoals Hospital for continued emergency treatment. Officers later learned that the patient was breathing and regained consciousness at the hospital.

In summary of the award nomination from EPD Sergeant Lance Peters, Investigator Manuals' rapid response, decisive actions, and leadership were critical in significantly improving the patients' chances of survival. His application of the AED, and administration of high-quality CPR during the most crucial moments of cardiac arrest was instrumental in the successful resuscitation of the patient. It is believed that the patients' survival is directly attributed to Corporal Ryan Manuels' off-duty actions on this date.

Jason Shaw

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Female suspect in theft at Wal-Mart.

Does anybody recognize this male suspect? He was possibly involved in a Burglary at Universal Storage Solutions. Any credible tips are greatly appreciated.

Suspects have been identified. Thank you!!

We are asking for your help in identifying possible Shoplifting suspects at Bealls. Any credible tips are appreciated.

During the May 14th, 2026, City Council meeting, a contract with Collins Auction Company located at 112 Armed Forces Drive Elizabethton was accepted to conduct an on-line public auction. There is a total of 65 fi****ms that were considered contraband and forfeited by an order through Cater County Circuit Court.

Please see Collins & Co website here https://www.collinsandcompany.info/current-upcoming-auctions and/or follow and watch Collins & Co other social media sites for their announcement and details of this auction. To be in compliance with the statue, the on-line auction will not end until at least 30 days from the date of this notification.

-Jason Shaw