A local man was arrested in Knoxville after allegedly harassing and physically assaulting a victim, including making sexual comments, following the victim, and using physical force. Security footage and his own admissions support the allegations, and he is currently in custody facing harassment and assault charges.
On December 2nd, around 8:32 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department received a report from a victim regarding Michael Bright, 26, of Knoxville. According to court documents, the victim stated that Bright made inappropriate sexual comments, asking if she was single and commenting on her feet, along with other explicit remarks.
Law enforcement reports indicate that Bright was seen following the victim multiple times on security camera footage. Bright admitted to the police that he had been flirting with the victim.
The victim also reported that Bright grabbed her by the throat. Knoxville police reviewed additional security footage, which reportedly showed Bright grabbing the victim by the throat, removing his belt and striking her buttocks, and pulling her hair. Bright later confessed to pushing the victim and grabbing her by the throat.
Knoxville police arrested Bright and transported him to the Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. Bond has been set at $1,000 cash or surety. A pretrial conference is scheduled for December 16th.
Bright faces charges of third-degree harassment (simple misdemeanor) and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness (serious misdemeanor).
