KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A trio of Ohio residents are facing federal charges after authorities say they engaged in a road rage shootout at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). Yosiah Awomolo, 20, Alexander Legeza, 21, and Kelly White, 28, were arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin following their initial appearance in Knoxville’s federal court.
The incident, reported to have occurred on July 31, 2025, involved Awomolo, who was behind the wheel of a 2022 Buick Envision, threatening another driver with a handgun and discharging a round into a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The bullet ended up lodged in a lunchbox inside the vehicle, authorities said.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement recovered the shell casing from the scene on U.S. 441 South. Legeza and White, who were passengers in the Buick, were arrested by Pigeon Forge Police Department personnel after they located the suspects at the Park Tower Inn in Pigeon Forge, TN. Two firearms were seized during their arrest.
Awomolo has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, and communicating a threat to another person. Legeza faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and misprison of a felony. White is also charged with misprision of a felony.
This prosecution stems from an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Park Service, Gatlinburg Police Department, and Pigeon Forge Police Department. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee announced the charges against the suspects, who remain in custody pending further proceedings.
It is important to note that these individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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