The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating after a fatal officer-involved shooting in Knox County Sunday night that left a deputy “seriously wounded.”
“TBI special agents are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Sunday night fatal officer-involved shooting in Knox County, which also left a deputy seriously wounded,” TBI said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
TBI special agents are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Sunday night fatal officer-involved shooting in Knox County, which also left a deputy seriously wounded.
To read our preliminary statement regarding the investigation, click below. https://t.co/PtP3VLh8dW
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) October 2, 2023
A press release noted that the investigation is being conducted “[a]t the request of 6th Judicial District Attorney General Charme Allen.”
It is routine for TBI to investigate officer-involved shootings.
“Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 11:15 p.m. Sunday, Knox County dispatch received a call regarding a domestic situation at a home in the 3200 block of Denver Lane in Knoxville,” according to the release. “Deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded and encountered an armed individual at the residence. For reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated and shots were fired by both the individual and at least one of the deputies.”
TBI says a male subject was struck by a bullet fired by the deputy and pronounced dead on the scene. The injured deputy was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
The name of the deputy has not been released, per TBI policy.
“He needs prayers, his family needs prayers and our blue family as well,” Knox County Sheriff’s Office Communications Director Kimberly Glenn reportedly said, adding that the deputy is “fighting for his life.”
“[Domestic calls are] one of the most dangerous calls that an officer will ever answer in their career,” Glenn said. “Tonight’s a prime example of that. You never know what to expect, when you go to a call.”
TBI’s investigation is ongoing.
“TBI agents continue to work to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews,” according to the release. “Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her review and consideration.”
The state law enforcement entity also noted that it acts solely as “fact-finders,” and does not make recommendations about whether any officer-involved shooting is justified.
Meanwhile, messages poured in from other law enforcement entities.
“Sheriff Jimmy Davis and [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office] deputies extend our prayers for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and their deputy who was shot last night while on duty,” said Davis on Facebook. “We pray for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the family and friends of the deputy and the entire Knox County Community.”
“Police officers risk their lives every single day to protect their communities. That grave reality was once again brought into sharp focus by last night’s incident on Denver Lane,” Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel reportedly said. “My deepest prayers are with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and the family, friends and colleagues of the deputy who was wounded. Our department will do everything in our power to support KCSO as they navigate this tragedy.”
Sheriff’s Tommy Jones of Monroe County and Sheriff James Lee Berrong of Blount County offered similar messages.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Loudon Sheriff’s Department” Loudon County Sheriff Department.
