Several arrested in connection to Tazewell shooting
Published 1:05 pm Thursday, May 21, 2020
Several arrests were made as an investigation into a shooting that sent one man to the hospital remains ongoing in Tazewell.
Late Wednesday night, Claiborne E-911 received multiple calls of gunfire at the Dixie Plaza Motel on Highway 25E with possible victims. According to Tazewell Police Chief Jeremy Myers, the first units arrived on the scene within one minute of the 911 call.
Once on scene, officers found a bullet-riddled Ford pick-up truck sitting sideways in the highway and a male with a possible gunshot to the neck. The man was identified as Luke Holebrook of Hallie, Kentucky. He was transported by Lifestar to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities also located Michael Rayburn, 38, and Jeannie Van Zant, 39, on the scene with reports that another male armed with a pistol fled the scene on foot. Detective Josh Fields and Chief Myers were dispatched to the scene where they faced multiple crime scenes. They were assisted by detectives from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office.
K-9 Deputy Winston Middleton and K-9 partner Major were instrumental in the apprehension of the man who fled when they tracked him in a thicket behind the motel following the discovery of a shirt and handgun behind the motel. Michael Scott Dixon, 39, of Greenville, Tn. was apprehended without further incident.
There was another male victim who was unharmed in the incident who was later located hiding in the pool area. According to the report, this was an isolated incident between the parties involved.
An AK-47 rifle and Sig Sauer pistol were recovered, and multiple shots were fired along with the discovery of a knife. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Michael Shane Dixon was arrested on scene and charged with aggravated assault; Jeannie Van Zant is charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault; Michael Rayburn is charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault; and Luke Holebrook is charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault.
All remain in the Claiborne County Jail.
“The teamwork displayed by all of the listed agencies was tremendously helpful and we appreciate all of them,” said Chief Myers.
The Tazewell Police Department was assisted by the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, New Tazewell Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Claiborne EMS.