KPD intercepts alleged trespassers after South Knoxville house fire

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One woman was taken into custody Saturday after she allegedly told Knoxville Police officers a false name when she and others were found at a South Knoxville home that had caught fire Friday .

On April 27, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a trespassing complaint call reporting several people at the house where a fire had occurred, and that the house was not safe to be in. KPD officers made contact with seven people when they arrived.

The people told officers they had moved back into the burnt home “because they didn’t know where else to go,” according to KPD’s report. A KPD officer spoke with one of the arson investigators who said he had made it clear to everyone at the scene of the house fire that they were allowed to grab some belongings and leave the property, but no one was allowed to be living there due to safety concerns.

Knoxville Fire Department crews had responded to a house fire early Friday morning, where the South Knoxville home was reportedly occupied by 11 people and 13 dogs .

All but one woman provided their correct information to officers according to court documents. One defendant identified as Melissa Leroy in charging documents allegedly gave officers a false name and also said she had no identification of any kind. After officers were able to properly identify Leroy, she reportedly told officers she got married and had lied because her brother was wanted and she didn’t want to be associated with him and believed him to be inside the residence at some point that day.

Officers made contact with the on-call District Attorney and were advised that due to the unsafe nature of the house and the fire department telling the defendant and other defendants not to live on the property, the defendant could be charged with criminal trespassing. The DA also advised that without any proof of a marriage and the apparent intent to defraud officers of her identity, the elements were met for criminal impersonation.

When officers were taking Leroy into custody, she stated she couldn’t breathe and was having a panic attack. She was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.