Local man arrested on aggravated child abuse charge

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) was notified of an alleged child abuse incident on Friday, April 21, 2006. The Department of Children Services (DCS) was notified by a local day care center of the possible abuse. DCS and SPD investigators interviewed the 3-year old child and his mother regarding several extreme bruises and a wound on the boy. SPD Detective Kevin Bush subsequently arrested 46-year old Ron Owens of Sevierville on April 21. Owens was apparently an acquaintance of the mother. Owens was charged with aggravated child abuse and transported to the Sevier County Jail for booking.