Sevierville Police Looking for Man Wanted on Weapons, Drug Charges

Sevierville police are searching for a man who fled the scene of an auto accident Tuesday, leaving behind loaded guns and drugs in the crashed car.

A motorist notified police of a single vehicle accident on Old Knoxville Highway at the intersection with Franklin Drive at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, reporting that he saw a man run from the 2002 Acura after it crashed into a tree.

According to Officer Jeremy Jester, police responded to the accident scene and discovered two loaded semi-automatic handguns on the front seat of the wrecked vehicle. They also found 3.2 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the car. Several officers and a police K9 searched the area but did not find the suspect.

Paul M. Yazel

Police identified the driver of the crashed Acura as 36-year old Paul M. Yazel. While his driver’s license has a Knoxville address, they believe he may be living in Sevier County.

Sevierville police obtained nine warrants on Tuesday evening related to weapons and drug violations, charging Yazel with two counts of possession of a firearm while possessing methamphetamine; two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm (by a convicted felon); possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) for resale; possession of marijuana for resale; possession of drug paraphernalia; alteration of an item (serial number on a handgun); and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police say Yazel has multiple tattoos, including on his neck and head, and may have shaved his head. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sevierville Police Department at 865-453-5506.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.