Kingsport Homicide Suspect Levi Carter Captured Following Multi-Agency Pursuit Across Virginia and Tennessee
A lengthy manhunt for a Kingsport homicide suspect came to an end Tuesday afternoon when Levi Carter, 37, was taken into custody in Church Hill, Tennessee, following a coordinated pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies across Virginia and Tennessee.
Carter, who was wanted by authorities on a second-degree murder charge in Kingsport, had been the subject of an active search as investigators worked to locate and apprehend him. His arrest followed a series of events that began in neighboring Virginia and ultimately concluded in Hawkins County, Tennessee, after a multi-jurisdictional pursuit.
According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Carter allegedly stole a vehicle in Scott County, Virginia. Authorities reported that deputies attempted to stop him, but he fled, prompting a pursuit. The chase quickly escalated as Carter allegedly sought to evade law enforcement while traveling along Yuma Road before crossing the state line into Tennessee.
As the pursuit continued, several agencies joined the effort to locate and stop the suspect. Deputies from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Virginia Conservation Police while Tennessee law enforcement agencies prepared to assist as Carter entered their jurisdiction. Additional support was provided by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Carmel Police Department, and the Church Hill Police Department.
Law enforcement officials coordinated closely throughout the pursuit, sharing information and resources in an effort to safely bring the situation to a conclusion. Authorities emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation during incidents involving suspects who travel across jurisdictional boundaries, particularly when serious criminal charges are involved.
Church Hill Police Chief Chad Mosley confirmed that officers successfully apprehended Carter shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday. At the time of his arrest, Carter was reportedly still driving the vehicle that had been stolen in Scott County. Officers were able to stop the vehicle and take him into custody without further incident, bringing the pursuit and search effort to an end.
The arrest marked a significant development in an ongoing homicide investigation connected to Kingsport. Following the apprehension, the Kingsport Police Department confirmed Carter’s capture and thanked the various agencies that participated in the operation. Officials noted that the coordinated efforts of officers from multiple departments played a critical role in ensuring the suspect was located and arrested safely.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the homicide case that led to the second-degree murder charge, and investigators continue to work through the legal process following Carter’s arrest. As with all criminal cases, the charges represent allegations, and guilt must be determined through the judicial system.
The successful conclusion of the pursuit has drawn attention throughout the region, highlighting the extensive cooperation required when suspects cross state lines and multiple agencies become involved. Law enforcement leaders praised the professionalism and communication demonstrated by officers throughout the operation, noting that the pursuit concluded without reported injuries to officers or members of the public.
Community members in both Virginia and Tennessee closely followed developments as information about the pursuit emerged. The safe apprehension of the suspect provided a measure of relief to residents and law enforcement officials alike, who had worked diligently to bring the search to an end.
As Carter enters the next phase of the legal process, investigators and prosecutors are expected to continue reviewing evidence related to both the homicide case and the events that allegedly occurred during Tuesday’s pursuit. Additional information may become available as court proceedings move forward.
For now, authorities say the immediate priority of locating and apprehending the suspect has been achieved, thanks to the combined efforts of local, county, and state law enforcement agencies working together across jurisdictional boundaries.









