Williamsburg police ask for public’s help to find stabbing suspect

Williamsburg police are asking for the public’s help to locate a Whitley County man, who allegedly stabbed someone in the chest with a hunting knife earlier this month.

Melvin T. Hill is wanted by the Williamsburg Police Department on charges of second-degree assault.

On March 7, Williamsburg police responded to a fight complaint at Mt. Morgan Apartments.

Upon arrival, police learned that Hill allegedly got into a verbal argument with the victim, Scottie Day, and then pulled a large hunting knife and stabbed him in the chest, said Williamsburg Police Chief Wayne Bird.

"We think it was over a cell phone. We’re not 100 percent sure but that’s what it looks like. It was over a cell phone," Bird said.
Hill fled the scene prior to the arrival of police.

"We have information he may be on the south end of the county. He is originally from the Rockholds area and frequents the Brown’s Creek/1064 area," Bird said.

Day was initially taken to Jellico Community Hospital and was later airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, but has since been released.

Bird urged anyone with information about Hill’s whereabouts to contact police and use caution if they spot him.

Given the nature of his alleged offense, Bird said he thinks Hill has the potential to be dangerous.

Anyone with information on Hill’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Williamsburg Police Department at 549-6038 or 549-6017.
K-9 Officer Jason Strunk is conducting the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Officer Tim Shelley.