From WRIL -
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, A Tazewell Tennessee man was arrested on multiple charges stemming from a carjacking incident that took place in New Tazewell.
Claiborne County Detective Rocky White, in charge of the investigation, states in one of many citations, that he determined through a victim's statements that 64-year-old Robert Lee Harris displayed a firearm claiming he would kill him, putting the victim in fear for his life. The victim also stated that Harris fired the gun into the ground close to him.
Harris is further accused of forcing the victim's hand to be restrained at gunpoint with the use of zip ties. The victim was then led to a gate where pre-placed zip ties were used to confine his movements while Harris took pictures of the man.
The victim further stated that he was cut loose from the gate and led at gunpoint to a utility pole where he was once again restrained with zip ties. Harris then cut one restrained hand loose from the victim and demanded he remove all of his clothing or he would be killed. With the victim now naked, Harris is accused of taking pictures of him with his (Harris') cellphone.
The victim stated that Harris finally walked away and he was able to break free from the restraints and run to safety where he called 911 from a neighboring residence.
Robert Lee Harris was taken into custody and lodged in the Claiborne County Jail and charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Robbery, and Carjacking.
Harris has a $1,000,000 secured bond with a conditional release order.
**All individuals with charges reported by WRIL are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.