Kingsport Homicide Suspect Captured After Multi-Agency Pursuit: Levi Carter Taken Into Custody in Church Hill.

A major manhunt came to an end Tuesday afternoon when Levi Carter, 37, a Kingsport homicide suspect wanted on a second-degree murder charge, was taken into custody in Church Hill, Tennessee, following a multi-agency pursuit that crossed state lines. Authorities say Carter allegedly stole a vehicle in Scott County, Virginia, and fled from law enforcement, prompting an extensive search and pursuit involving numerous local and state agencies.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began after Carter reportedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade authorities. Deputies, along with Virginia Conservation Police, initiated the chase as Carter traveled along Yuma Road before crossing into Tennessee. As the pursuit continued, additional assistance was provided by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Carmel Police Department, and Church Hill Police Department.

Church Hill Police Chief Chad Mosley confirmed that Carter was apprehended shortly after 2 p.m. while driving the stolen vehicle from Scott County. The pursuit concluded safely in Church Hill, where officers successfully took him into custody without further incident. The Kingsport Police Department later confirmed his arrest and expressed gratitude to the many agencies that assisted throughout the operation.

Earlier in the day, Kingsport police had issued a public alert identifying Carter as a suspect in an ongoing homicide investigation that began late Monday night. Investigators had obtained a warrant charging him with second-degree murder and warned the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Authorities also reported that Carter’s Ford F-150 pickup truck had been recovered near Wadlow Gap Road, while information suggested he had last been seen in the Weber City area before the pursuit unfolded.

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 coordinated efforts. Officials say the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and working to determine all circumstances surrounding the homicide case.