According to reports, a Tennessee cop who was injured while responding to a domestic incident on Sunday evening has died.
Officer Tucker Blakely died the day before from injuries he received on Sunday, Oct. 1, when he went to a “domestic situation” at a home in the 2300 block of Denver Lane in West Knox County shortly after 11 p.m., according to a statement released by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. When officers arrived on the site, they discovered an “armed individual,” and the situation quickly escalated, with both the suspect and the officers firing their firearms.
“Today, we are completely heartbroken,” a statement from KCSO read. “The family of Officer Tucker Blakely and our Knox County Sheriff’s Office family are processing what is sure to be the most difficult of our days. Today is a very painful reminder of just how fragile life can be and how brave and selfless our officers are.”
“And it’s a horrible reminder that, while our Officers go to work and deliver that service for you, they leave wives, husbands, teenagers, little babies, moms, dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters behind at home, not knowing what the day will bring,” it added.
Officer Blakely was dispatched to the home after dispatch received a “call for help from a family in need,” according to KCSO. And they did what they do every day: they answered the call.”
“Once on scene, and for reasons still under investigation, a man began firing at KCSO Officers. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Officer Blakely was shot in the exchange of gunfire. He was rushed by AMR to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where, despite the efforts of EMS and the UT Medical Team, he died as a result of those injuries,” it continued.
“We often attempt to help our community understand the risks that our heroes in blue take on each and every day for the citizens and visitors of Knox County,” the KCSO statement said. “And no matter the circumstances or the danger involved, they never fall to rise to the occasion and deliver their best to those in need.”
It added, “Our Officers and their families need your support now more than ever.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is leading a “extremely difficult and meticulous investigation” into the shooting, according to KCSO.
“We are in the very early stages of answering a lot of questions and most importantly, caring for the Blakely Family and our Knox County Sheriff’s Office Family. That will remain our focus in the many days to come.”
Immediately after the shooting Sunday, KCSO said the shooting left an officer with “very serious injuries.”
“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,” the bureau said in a news release. “The male subject was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.”
According to the announcement, TBI special agents are investigating the deadly officer-involved shooting at the request of 6th Judicial District Attorney General Charme Allen.
“TBI agents continue to work to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her review and consideration,” the agency said.
Officer Blakely’s shift ended on Monday, October 2.
“Please continue to remember Officer Blakely’s family in your thoughts and prayers,” KCSO said.
