KNOXVILLE, TN – A Knoxville man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he assaulted another man, doused him with bleach, and kidnapped a 3-year-old child in the early hours of Sunday.
Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Charles Coffman. Officers were called to a residence on Mercer Street around 4 a.m. for a wellness check, where they forced entry and discovered a man in the bathroom with serious head injuries. The victim was found unclothed and covered in bleach, according to police.
During the investigation, officials determined that both a young child and a Ford Expedition were missing from the residence. Authorities immediately issued an alert for the stolen vehicle and the child. Hours later, Sevierville officers located the vehicle with Coffman and the child inside.
Upon apprehending Coffman, investigators questioned him about the events that unfolded that morning. Coffman claimed he had been asked by the child’s mother to visit the residence and collect her, arriving there by Uber. He told police he became involved in a physical altercation with the victim, repeatedly striking him, dragging him to the bathroom, and pouring bleach onto his injuries. He also allegedly used a toilet plunger as a weapon.
Police later spoke to the child’s mother, who refuted Coffman’s account. She told officers she had never spoken with Coffman and did not grant him permission to take her child from the residence.
The injured man was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Coffman now faces several charges, including aggravated kidnapping, attempted second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and theft.
Authorities have not released the name of the victim or child, citing privacy concerns. The police did not provide further details about Coffman’s possible motive or the relationship between those involved.
The incident has rattled the Mercer Street neighborhood, as residents expressed concern about the severity of the attack and the safety of local children.
Coffman remains in custody as police continue their investigation.