The city of Knoxville, Tennessee, is on high alert following a violent assault at The Union Knoxville, a well-known apartment complex popular among students and young professionals near the University of Tennessee. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ethan Johnston from Bean Station, Tennessee, now faces serious charges including attempted second-degree murder. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 24, 2025, has left the community shaken and has prompted a regional manhunt as authorities continue to search for Johnston, who remains at large.
According to the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), multiple 911 calls were made shortly after 2:30 a.m. reporting a violent altercation inside one of the residential units at The Union Knoxville. When officers arrived, they found a male victim in his early 20s suffering from severe trauma consistent with a brutal physical assault. Emergency medical teams promptly transported the victim to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition.
Investigators wasted no time gathering witness statements and reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex, which led to the identification of Ethan Johnston as the primary suspect. Witnesses have described the altercation as escalating rapidly and involving a level of violence that was both shocking and unexpected. Though the exact motive remains unclear, sources close to the investigation suggest a personal dispute may have triggered the incident. However, law enforcement has not confirmed whether the suspect and the victim knew each other prior to the attack.
Despite the issuance of a warrant for attempted second-degree murder over the weekend, Johnston had not been apprehended as of Monday morning. Law enforcement agencies across Grainger County and neighboring areas have been alerted to aid in the search, given Johnston’s known ties to the region. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately six feet tall, weighing around 185 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Although last seen on foot leaving the area, authorities believe Johnston may now be traveling by vehicle, potentially moving between counties to evade capture.
KPD Chief Paul Noel emphasized the danger Johnston poses to the community and urged the public to remain vigilant. “This is a dangerous individual wanted in connection with a very violent crime,” Chief Noel stated. “We are asking for the public’s help to bring him into custody as soon as possible. If you see him, do not approach—call 911 immediately.”
The assault has deeply unsettled residents at The Union Knoxville and the surrounding community, including those affiliated with the University of Tennessee. While it is not confirmed whether either Johnston or the victim were students, university officials have publicly acknowledged the incident. They are collaborating with local law enforcement to provide updates and ensure campus safety.
In response to the attack, security measures at The Union Knoxville have been heightened. Additional patrols have been deployed, and building access protocols have been strengthened to reassure residents and deter further incidents. Parents of students and local residents have voiced concerns over safety at large apartment complexes designed to accommodate young adults. Rachel Ford, a parent of a freshman at the university, remarked, “You think places like this are safe—gated, near the university, with a lot of students around. But this incident shows that violence can strike anywhere, and it’s terrifying.”
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement officials continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with regional agencies. Authorities expect to release more details soon, potentially including a timeline of events leading up to the assault and information about any additional charges.
Out of respect for the victim and their family, no identifying information has been released, and updates regarding the victim’s prognosis remain limited.
The Knoxville Police Department is urging anyone with information about Ethan Johnston’s whereabouts to contact their Crime and Safety Unit at 865-215-7212 or submit an anonymous tip through East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 865-215-STOP (7867) or online. The community remains hopeful that the manhunt will end quickly with Johnston’s capture, allowing justice to be served and healing to begin for the victim and the entire Knoxville community.
This violent assault serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance, particularly in areas with a large population of young adults and students. As the search continues, Knoxville residents are coming together to support one another and demand answers and accountability from authorities. The hope is that through community cooperation and law enforcement’s efforts, the suspect will soon be apprehended and the neighborhood can begin to regain its sense of security.
The post Ethan Johnston Wanted in Knoxville AR-15 Assault: Manhunt Underway After Violent Attack at The Union Apartments first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
