BREAKING: 21-Year-Old Ethan Johnston Wanted for Brutal Attempted Murder at Knoxville Student Apartment Complex

Knoxville police have officially identified the suspect in a violent assault that rocked the University of Tennessee student housing community over Memorial Day weekend. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Union Knoxville apartment complex on White Avenue, has left residents shaken and a young man critically injured.

According to a press release issued by the Knoxville Police Department on Sunday evening, the suspect has been identified as Ethan Johnston, a 21-year-old from Bean Station, Tennessee. A warrant has been filed charging Johnston with attempted second-degree murder, a serious felony offense that underscores the severity of the attack.

A Violent Encounter

Police say the assault took place shortly after 2:00 a.m. inside one of the units at The Union Knoxville, a popular off-campus student housing complex located just blocks from the University of Tennessee’s main campus. Emergency responders were called to the scene after witnesses reported a physical altercation that escalated into what investigators are now calling a targeted and brutal attack.

The victim, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending family notification, was found with life-threatening injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma. Authorities confirmed that the victim was immediately transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. As of Monday morning, the victim remains in critical but stable condition.

“This was not a random act of violence,” said KPD spokesperson Sheila Wilson during a press briefing. “The suspect and the victim were acquainted, and the assault appears to have stemmed from a dispute that turned extremely violent. The level of force used in this incident was shocking and completely unjustified.”

Suspect on the Run

Following the assault, Ethan Johnston reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. Investigators were able to quickly identify him through witness statements, security footage, and forensic evidence collected at the apartment. Within hours, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Johnston with attempted second-degree murder.

As of now, Johnston remains at large. Law enforcement agencies across East Tennessee have been alerted, and the U.S. Marshals Service has been asked to assist in locating and apprehending the suspect. Authorities are urging the public to be on the lookout and are asking anyone with information about Johnston’s whereabouts to come forward.

Johnston is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He may be driving a gray 2017 Honda Civic with Tennessee license plate number JTR-4098. Police caution that Johnston should be considered armed and dangerous.

Community Reaction

The Union Knoxville complex, which houses hundreds of college students and young professionals, was placed on brief lockdown Saturday morning as police canvassed the area. Many residents expressed fear and concern over the violent incident, noting that while parties and disturbances are not uncommon in the area, such a level of violence is rare.

“I woke up to sirens and flashing lights, and we just stayed in our room not knowing what was going on,” said Michaela Torres, a junior at UTK who lives on the third floor of the building. “It’s terrifying to know that something like this happened just down the hall.”

The property management of The Union Knoxville issued a statement Sunday evening confirming their cooperation with law enforcement and offering support services to residents.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews in connection to the case. While police have not revealed a specific motive, they confirmed that the victim and Johnston had “a personal history” and that the altercation was not gang- or drug-related.

“This was an act of interpersonal violence that escalated in a devastating way,” Wilson said. “We are committed to bringing the suspect to justice and ensuring the safety of our community.”

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-7212 or submit a tip anonymously through East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.

As the investigation unfolds, the city of Knoxville grapples with the shocking nature of the crime. Community leaders are calling for increased awareness and support for young people navigating personal conflicts, especially in high-stress environments like student housing communities.

Further updates are expected in the coming days as authorities continue their manhunt for Ethan Johnston and release more details about the condition and identity of the victim.

Suspect Summary:

• Name: Ethan Johnston
• Age: 21
• Residence: Bean Station, TN
• Charge: Attempted Second-Degree Murder
• Vehicle: 2017 Gray Honda Civic (TN Plate: JTR-4098)
• Status: At Large (Considered Armed and Dangerous)

Stay with us for ongoing coverage of this developing story.