Man who allegedly started fight at Knox bus line located at area hospital

News Sentinel staff

KNOXVILLE - Knox County Sheriff's deputies Tuesday night interviewed a man who allegedly started a fight with co-workers at a Knox County bus line before one of them cut him while defending themselves, officials said.

Deputies had been searching for him since an incident earlier in the day occurred at his now former workplace.

Patrick Brewer, no age available, was treated and released Tuesday evening at Turkey Creek Medical Center. Brewer was listed as homeless in a Knox County Sheriff's Office report of the incident, but previously lived in Lenoir City, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Hillary Coward said.

The victim in the assault, Richard Carroll Baker, 35, no address given, was taken to Physicians Regional Medical Center for treatment where his condition was not released.

Authorities originally reported that Brewer was fired from Mayes Bus Line, 1307 Emory Road, prior to him arriving at the business shortly before 10 a.m., Tuesday. Officials said they later learned he was fired when he arrived at the business.

Coward said Tuesday the man started a fight with co-workers, whom he accused of contacting authorities, who arrested him Monday on an outstanding Loudon County warrant.

Coward said the employees reported that Brewer started a fight with Baker.

Baker reported that Brewer began assaulting him and caused a laceration above his eye. Baker ended up facedown on the ground and pulled his knife out in order to defend himself and stop the assault, according to the report.

Coward said employees reported that Brewer yelled that he had been cut and fled the business, but nobody saw any blood.

"Officers spoke with Brewer. He was treated and released and nobody wanted to press charges so the case was closed," Coward said.

More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel.