Oak Ridge Today

Two suspects arrested after shot fired at McKenzie Acres Apartments

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Elijah McDowell

Elijah McDowell

Two people were arrested after a gunshot was fired at the McKenzie Acres apartment complex on Utica Circle on Monday, authorities said.

The Oak Ridge Police Department responded to a report of someone discharging a firearm at McKenzie Acres at about 5:42 p.m. Monday, July 27, a press release said.

“Officers learned that at least one shot had been fired,” the release said.

It said police were able to locate two people who were allegedly involved in the incident a short time later. [Read more…]

Police investigate Utica Circle apartment fire as possible arson

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Utica Circle Fire

The Oak Ridge Police Department is investigating a Saturday night fire at an apartment building on Utica Circle as a possible arson. (Photos by Tom Scott)

The Oak Ridge Police Department is investigating the Saturday night fire at an apartment building on Utica Circle as a possible arson.

A suspect in the case is also being investigated for reckless endangerment, an ORPD report said. The Saturday night fire endangered other residents in the eight-unit building in the McKenzie Acres apartment complex and displaced those tenants, the report said. The Red Cross found temporary housing for them. [Read more…]

Most apartment residents displaced by Thanksgiving fire calls can return home

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Utica Circle Fire

An apartment fire at 312 Utica Circle that was allegedly set deliberately heavily damaged one home, and other residents in the eight-unit building were displaced during the Thanksgiving weekend. (Photos by Tom Scott)

ORFD chief says Utica Circle fire was set

Power has been restored to an Applewood Apartments building on Hillside Road after a Thanksgiving Day electrical short displaced two dozen residents, and most of another two dozen residents can move back into McKenzie Acres apartments on Utica Circle, two days after they were displaced by a Saturday night fire, city officials said Monday.

The two fire calls in three days displaced about 50 people during the Thanksgiving weekend. The Red Cross has helped the residents with food and shelter, and residents and restaurants have pitched in as well.

The city hoped to get the residents back into their buildings today, Oak Ridge Fire Department Chief Darryl Kerley said Monday afternoon. [Read more…]

Second apartment fire this week displaces another two dozen residents

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Utica Circle Fire

An apartment fire at 312 Utica Circle heavily damaged one home, and other residents in the eight-unit building will not be able to stay at home Saturday night. (Photos by Tom Scott)

The second apartment fire in Oak Ridge since Thursday has displaced another two dozen residents.

The Saturday night fire started at about 9:22 p.m. in the 300 block of Utica Circle at McKenzie Acres. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the second-story blaze, and no one was injured.

But roughly 25 residents, including children, will not be able to return home to the eight-unit building tonight, authorities said. The Red Cross was on its way to Utica Circle to help the residents, who huddled outside in pajamas, coats, gloves, and hats as temperatures dropped to freezing at about 11 p.m. Saturday. [Read more…]