A large-scale manhunt came to an end Tuesday afternoon when Levi Carter, 37, a homicide suspect wanted in connection with a Kingsport murder investigation, was taken into custody following a pursuit that crossed state lines. Carter, who was wanted on a second-degree murder charge, was arrested in Church Hill, Tennessee, after authorities say he allegedly stole a vehicle in Scott County, Virginia, and fled from law enforcement.
According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Carter reportedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade deputies. Law enforcement officials, including Virginia Conservation Police, initiated a pursuit as he traveled along Yuma Road before crossing into Tennessee. The chase prompted a coordinated response from multiple agencies as officers worked to locate and safely apprehend the suspect.
As the pursuit entered Tennessee, additional support was provided by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Carmel Police Department, and Church Hill Police Department. Authorities closely monitored Carter’s movements while working together to bring the situation to a safe conclusion. The operation drew significant attention due to the seriousness of the charges and the extensive resources involved.
Church Hill Police Chief Chad Mosley confirmed that Carter was taken into custody shortly after 2 p.m. while driving the stolen vehicle from Scott County. Officers successfully ended the pursuit in Church Hill without further incident, and Carter was arrested safely. Following the arrest, the Kingsport Police Department expressed appreciation to the numerous agencies that assisted throughout the search and pursuit.
Earlier that day, Kingsport investigators had issued a public alert identifying Carter as a suspect in an active homicide investigation that began late Monday night. Detectives had secured a warrant charging him with second-degree murder and warned residents that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Authorities also reported that Carter’s Ford F-150 had been recovered near Wadlow Gap Road, while information indicated he had last been seen in the Weber City area before the pursuit unfolded.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the homicide case. The Kingsport Police Department publicly thanked the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Mount Carmel Police Department, and Church Hill Police Department for their cooperation. Officials say additional details may be released as the investigation progresses and court proceedings move forward.
