BREAKING: A Maryville man is now facing up to 20 years in federal prison for allegedly tampering with an interstate gas pipeline, triggering a mass evacuation of hundreds of residents and businesses in the area. Authorities arrested Christopher Kyle Duke, 36, on May 9, 2023, after he was seen fleeing from a natural gas connection on Celtic Drive, moments after it had been tampered with.
Duke’s reckless actions have raised serious safety concerns. Prosecutors allege he intentionally released high-pressure gas valves at the Maryville gas substation, owned by Enbridge and operated by its subsidiary, East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC. This facility is crucial for the transfer of natural gas, supplying nearly a quarter of the gas consumed across the United States.
According to federal court documents, Duke scaled a security fence and “recklessly released numerous gas valves,” resulting in an alarming emergency release of gas that caused the ground to shake and produced a deafening whooshing sound. Witnesses reported the incident could have had catastrophic consequences, with authorities highlighting the potential for “death or serious bodily injury” to nearby residents.
Duke faces multiple charges, including vandalism, felony attempted burglary, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. His actions inflicted an estimated damage of between $15,000 and $40,000 to physical and electronic equipment at the facility. Furthermore, his legal troubles compounded when he faced an additional count for violating probation related to a previous felony escape attempt.
As the case unfolds, Duke’s local charges in Blount County have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the federal investigation. His defense attorneys have expressed intentions to plead guilty, submitting a waiver of indictment and arraignment hearing.
If convicted, Duke could face severe penalties, including a hefty fine of up to $250,000, mandatory supervised release, and criminal forfeiture. The implications of this case extend beyond Duke himself, as it raises critical questions about public safety regarding infrastructure and the responsibilities of individuals interacting with such systems.
With the legal process set to commence in the coming weeks, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by tampering with essential utilities. As updates emerge, residents and local businesses will be closely watching the developments of this serious situation. Stay tuned for more urgent updates regarding this case.
