Suspect accused of assaulting Knoxville Starbucks employee, robbing bank

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials with the Knoxville Police Department said a man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a Starbucks employee.

Knoxville Police responded to a disturbance at the Starbucks on Cumberland Avenue around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday.

A Starbucks employee told police the suspect, Derrick Thompson, came into the business and demanded a phone. Thompson allegedly stepped over the counter towards employees and began throwing various items around the store and demanding the phone.

Police said Thompson threw a carton of milk at one employee striking him in the head. The business manager escorted all the employees out of the store. After everyone had exited the store Thompson locked all the doors to the business, according to reports.

When officers arrived on the scene they located Thompson, locked inside the store.

Police said Thompson unlocked the doors and allowed officers inside. Police immediately attempted to detain Thompson. During his arrest, Thompson reportedly attempted to escape.

Thompson is charged with vandalism, assault, attempt to escape and disorderly conduct.

Just one day later, Thompson was identified as the suspect in a Knoxville bank robbery. Thompson allegedly entered the Regions Bank located at 707 N. Broadway and demanded money and car keys from at least one employee before fleeing the scene in a bank employee’s vehicle.

He was detained and taken into police custody 10 minutes later after sending officers on a chase. Thompson was charged with one count of bank robbery.