Image Credit: Twitter @EllaWalesTV & @SamLuther_
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A Knox County deputy who was seriously injured while responding to a Sunday night call has died at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
The death of 29-year-old Officer Tucker Blakely was announced by Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler on Monday night.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reports that the deputy responded to a call received regarding a domestic situation near Hardin Valley around 11:15 pm on Sunday night. When deputies arrived at the 3200 block of Denver Lane, they encountered an “armed individual”, Matthew Logan Rose, at the home.
“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,” stated the TBI’s news released. “The male subject was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene.”
TBI says that 6th Judicial Attorney General Charme Allen has asked agents to investigate the shooting. A preliminary investigation shows that both Rose and “at least one of the deputies” fired shots.
“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 stated.
The TBI noted that their job was not to decide whether the actions of involved officer were justified but rather that the agency “acts solely as fact-finders in its cases” and that “the decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement.”
Blakely graduated in November 2021 from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy. He was a graduate of Powell High School and a U.S. Military Veteran.
According to Spangler, Blakely was serving his last night on the streets.
“Tucker was on his last patrol detachment. He had just been selected to be a K9 handler and had just picked his dog,” Spangler said. “He was moving on in his career and looking to have a different tool.”
Supporters held a prayer vigil outside of UT Medical Center, in hopes that Blakely would make a recovery. Law enforcement agencies and other officials from the surrounding areas released statements of thoughts and prayers for the officer and his family.
“I want to make it clear that Officer Blakely is a hero. He lived as a hero and he died as a hero,” said Spangler. “I ask this community, I ask you all to please, please keep Officer Blakely’s family in your thoughts.”
Blakely is survived by his wife and a five-year-old son.
