Warrant issued for alleged workplace assault

A warrant has been issued for a man accused by co-workers of committing an assault at their workplace, River Rat Rafting.

According to a Cocke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) incident report filed by Sgt. Miranda Williams, she responded to Newport Medical Center on May 1 at 10:15 p.m. after dispatch was notified by hospital staff that an assault had occurred.

Upon arrival, Williams reports contact was made with a male, Blake Padgett, and a female, Casey Ford, in the emergency room and that Padgett had visible red marks on the right side of his neck from what appeared to be a strangulation.

According to the report, Padgett advised that he and Ford were working in a common room style kitchen making dinner when another male, who he identified as Eric Neal Banks, began arguing and allegedly became very hostile. Padgett said he and Banks exchanged name-calling after the argument allegedly began and Banks told Padgett “I’ll show you” and allegedly lunged at him and placed his hands around his throat, choking him.

Ford, per the report, gave the same account as Padgett. Both said another employee had to pull Banks off Padgett before everyone separated.

Due to Blake’s injuries, he sought medical attention.

Both Blake and Ford provided written statements. It was noted in the report that all parties were employees of River Rat Rafting or had ties to the business.

The report states that based on the physical evidence and statements that were provided, an arrest warrant for Banks was issued, charging him with aggravated assault.