KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A man is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, following an incident on Christmas Eve.
According to court records, Robert Gene Pannell Jr. has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, employing a firearm with intent to go armed, three counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
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Court records explained that during the morning of December 24, Pannell allegedly brandished a firearm and became argumentative and aggressive while in an apartment on Alliance Drive. When asked to leave, he refused and one of the people in the apartment told law enforcement they felt trapped due to Pannell’s behavior. Law enforcement said he then began shooting inside the home, threatening to kill one of the occupants while others, including children, were in a back bedroom.
According to court records, Pannell took one victim’s car keys and cell phone. Two victims managed to leave the apartment but encountered Pannell outside, where he shot one of them in the back of the head. Court records said the bullet grazed the victim’s head…