Rockford family fights back in alleged home invasion
By Mark Boxleyof The Daily Times Staff
Originally published: October 11. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: October 11. 2009 12:18AM
A Knoxville man accused of trying to hold a Rockford family hostage using an assault rifle bit off more than he could chew as the victims overpowered the man and restrained him until authorities arrived.
John William Carpenter, 30, Knoxville, was arrested late Wednesday after individuals at a Rockford residence contacted authorities, alleging the man had pushed through the door while they were sitting on the couch. Carpenter was allegedly "brandishing an assault rifle" and said he was "there for pills," a Blount County Sheriff's Office report said.
Carpenter was taken into custody at the scene and was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Deputies reported finding two sets of handcuffs and a knife in his possession at the time of the incident.
Carpenter was being held in lieu of bonds totaling $150,000 on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping. He is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. Oct. 16 in General Sessions Court on the charges.
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