TBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cocke County

COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Cocke County early Friday morning.

According to the TBI, preliminary information indicates that just before 1 a.m. Friday, Cocke County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed a vehicle driven by a person known to have an outstanding arrest warrant.

When officers tried to stop the car, the TBI said the driver refused to stop and led police on a chase.

Deputies attempted to stop the car and take the driver into custody at 1700 Neddy Mountain Road in Del Rio, but during the encounter, for reasons still under investigation, the TBI says deputies fired shots that struck the driver.

The suspect was then taken to a hospital for treatment, the TBI said, adding that no deputy officers were injured.

The TBI said its agents are working to determine the series of events that led to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews.

“The TBI has only a fact-finding function in its cases and does not assess whether the officer’s actions were justified in these types of cases. That decision rests with the District Attorney General, who will request TBI’s involvement,” officials said.

The officers and suspect involved in the shooting have not been identified.