Man Pulls Knife On Tire Repossessor

A Newport man was arrested Saturday after he pulled a knife on a man repossessing tires. Donald Cooper, an employee of RNR Tire Express of Knoxville, stated he was at a residence on Freeman Avenue to repossess 4 wheels and tires for his company. Mr. Cooper stated that the suspect had violated his rental agreement with the company. Cooper stated that he had the vehicle on a vehicle jack with 2 tires already off of the vehicle when the suspect came out of his residence and asked why Cooper was taking his tires. Cooper stated that he explained the situation. That is where the suspect, 44 year old Barry Morrison went back into his home but came back out with a knife. Cooper says he put his hands up and backed away from the vehicle at that point. That is when he says Morrison commenced to slashing the tires. Mr. Cooper took police back down to the scene where the officer observed three of the four tires had been slashed. Morrison was later found at his residence. He was taken into custody and has been charged with aggravated assault and vandalism.