The TBI is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting that ended a lengthy standoff on Interstate 40 in Madison County Friday afternoon.
The TBI said the incident began after Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be driven by a kidnapping suspect who had a child inside. The pursuit ended near Exit 87 when law enforcement disabled the vehicle with spike strips, leading to a prolonged standoff on the interstate.
During the incident, the child was safely released from the vehicle. Investigators said the suspect later got out and walked along the westbound shoulder while officers tried to take him into custody using less-lethal tactics. According to the TBI, those efforts were unsuccessful, and the encounter escalated after the suspect displayed a weapon. Officers then fired, and the suspect died at the scene.
No officers were injured during the incident.
The investigation was requested by the 26th Judicial District Attorney General. The TBI said agents are gathering evidence and conducting interviews to determine exactly what happened. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney General, who will decide whether the officers’ actions were justified.
The TBI does not identify officers involved in these investigations and refers those questions to the agencies involved.
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