A Weakley County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty early Friday morning in Martin, Tennessee, while responding to a report of possible gunfire, authorities say.
According to Martin Police Chief Phillip Fuqua, officers first responded around 2:51 a.m. to a disturbance call at the Days Inn on University Street, with reports of possible shots fired. Deputies from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office were assisting the Martin Police Department when the tragic incident occurred.
Weakley County Sheriff’s Deputy Fatally Shot In Line Of Duty In Martin, TN
As deputies were arriving at the location around 3:09 a.m., they observed a vehicle leaving a nearby Pocket’s gas station. The driver of that vehicle “opened fire on the officers,” and a deputy from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office was struck by gunfire.
The wounded deputy was immediately transported to Volunteer Community Hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. As of now, law enforcement has not publicly released the deputy’s name, as next‑of‑kin notifications are underway and authorities continue their investigation.
Martin police officers who arrived at the shooting scene were able to take a suspect into custody without further incident, officials report. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has been formally asked to lead the investigation into the fatal shooting, which is standard procedure in officer‑involved shootings in the state. Additional details — including the identity of the suspect and further circumstances of the case — are expected to be released by the TBI as the investigation develops.
This tragic loss has shaken not only the local law enforcement community but residents throughout Weakley County and surrounding areas. Officials and community members alike have expressed condolences and support for the fallen deputy’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
Law enforcement agencies across the state and region often stress the dangers officers face when responding to calls — even routine or initially unclear reports — and this incident underscores those risks. As the community mourns, tributes and prayers are likely to continue flowing in for the deputy and his family.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with relevant information to share it with investigators assisting in the case. Updates are expected as the TBI and local law enforcement release additional findings and statements.
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