Maryville, TN – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon in Monroe County. The incident unfolded around noon when deputies responded to a call about a tree obstructing the roadway on Reed Springs Road in Philadelphia, a rural area near the residence of Richard Brown, a man wanted on an active felony warrant from Loudon County.
Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones confirmed that Brown initially came outside to interact with law enforcement but soon retreated into his home after refusing to speak with the deputies. Authorities then attempted to communicate with Brown through the door, but Sheriff Jones stated that Brown began making violent threats. In response, deputies established a perimeter around the residence and called for additional backup, including the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
According to Jones, law enforcement officers announced their presence and requested that Brown exit the home. As a precaution, non-lethal gas was deployed into the house, and deputies began attempting to breach the door. It was at this point that gunfire erupted from inside the residence.
One deputy was struck by gunfire and was immediately transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Fortunately, the deputy’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was expected to be released later that evening. Sheriff Jones confirmed that the deputy was the only law enforcement officer injured during the standoff, and that Brown was the sole individual responsible for firing shots.
After several hours of negotiations and a tense standoff, Brown was taken into custody without further incident. He was subsequently transported to the Monroe County Jail. The TBI, which has taken the lead in the investigation, was assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Madisonville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sweetwater Police Department, and the Monroe County Violent Crime Task Force.
As the investigation continues, Sheriff Jones expressed his gratitude for the swift response from local law enforcement and asked the community to keep the injured deputy and his family in their thoughts and prayers as he recovers. No further details, including the deputy’s identity, have been released at this time.
The incident highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to manage potentially dangerous situations while ensuring public safety. Authorities are continuing to piece together the details surrounding the standoff, and the TBI will provide updates as more information becomes available.
